Unauthorized AI-generated composite images spread online
AI-manipulated photos depicting Girls' Generation member and actor Yoona as pregnant have spread online, stirring controversy.
The fabricated images, created by unauthorized AI compositing of Yoona's face, circulated rapidly across online communities and social media platforms Monday.
In the photos, Yoona appears with a heavily swollen belly as if she were in the final month of pregnancy. A man whose face has been blurred leans his head on her shoulder while placing his hand on her stomach, giving the impression that he is her husband.
The posts tagged Yoona's actual social media account and included the phrase "LOVE U" along with hashtags for "Yoona" and "baby."
Fans and other users reacted with fury to the crude and degrading images. "If you want to ruin your life, just do gambling or drugs instead," one user wrote. Others called the creator "brain-dead" and asked, "What on earth did you make?" One commenter said, "If I were her, I'd be sick to my stomach," while others demanded the perpetrator be "caught and punished."
Meanwhile, SM Entertainment, Yoona's agency, has said it is taking strict action against the spread of false information and invasions of privacy targeting its artists.
"We are closely monitoring reports from fans and major platforms at home and abroad, and we are continuously filing complaints with investigative authorities against those who post malicious content or comments related to our artists, on charges of violating the Act on Special Cases Concerning the Punishment of Sexual Crimes, the Act on Promotion of Information and Communications Network Utilization and Information Protection, and the Framework Act on Telecommunications," the agency said.
It added: "We have already secured extensive evidence and are working with platforms and relevant authorities to identify anonymous posters. We will respond firmly — with no leniency or settlement — against those who create and distribute malicious rumors, false information, sexually harassing content, and distorted or mocking material."
jshan@heraldcorp.com
