Profiler Kwon Il-yong [Newsis]
Profiler Kwon Il-yong [Newsis]

Profiler and broadcaster Kwon Il-yong has warned the public about a YouTube channel creating content with unauthorized AI-generated composites of his face.

Kwon said Monday on his Instagram account that he had received a tip that fake videos made by superimposing his face using AI technology were circulating on YouTube. "I have absolutely no connection to those videos or that channel, and the content they cover is entirely false and has nothing to do with me," he said.

He described the videos as "malicious content designed to deceive people by stealing my likeness," and urged anyone who comes across them not to be misled or harmed. He added that he has filed reports against the channel and its videos for portrait rights infringement and the spread of false content.

"I am grateful to everyone who has been concerned and who tipped me off," Kwon said, directing a pointed message at the channel's operator: "Delete the channel immediately."

This is not the first time Kwon has raised the alarm. In May, he said videos produced without authorization using his name had been spreading across YouTube and other online video platforms and social media channels, and that he was reviewing options for a strong legal response.

At the time, he said impersonating him to offer sensationalist speculative analysis on cases where the truth has not yet been established causes irreparable harm to the victims' bereaved families. "I express deep regret toward those who use others' pain as a tool for profit," he said.

He added that the unauthorized use of his likeness and name, along with the spread of false information, constitutes "a clear criminal act and a serious violation of rights," and that he was reviewing all available legal measures to mount a strong response.

Kwon has appeared on tvN's "Alsseum Beomjap Season 2," a crime-analysis variety show, and E Channel's "Yongamhan Hyeongsadul" series. He has also made guest appearances on tvN's "Beolgeobeoseun Segyesa," a world history program, and "You Quiz on the Block."


yul@heraldcorp.com