The primary distribution vectors for this content have been encrypted messaging apps and social media platforms. Telegram has been described as a "new N號房" (new Nth Room), a reference to the infamous digital sex crime rings in South Korea. Some deepfake pornography group chats on the platform boast over 400,000 international members. Telegram has removed nearly a million violating posts in 2025, but this has proven to be a game of whack-a-mole; when one channel is shut down, a "backup channel" with a nearly identical name typically appears within hours, often re-routing members through invitation links on X (formerly Twitter) or Discord. TikTok has recently become a new frontier for this abuse, with AI-generated "intimate" or semi-nude images of BTS members V and Jungkook going viral on the platform in May 2026, sparking massive outrage from the ARMY fandom demanding immediate legal action.
Similarly, JYP Entertainment (home to Stray Kids and TWICE), YG Entertainment (BLACKPINK), and SM Entertainment (aespa) have declared a "zero-tolerance policy," vowing not to settle with offenders and to pursue the maximum legal penalties. SM Entertainment recently announced a significant victory, revealing that 12 individuals involved in creating deepfake content targeting aespa have been sentenced to prison, with the most severe punishment being four years of imprisonment following a failed appeal.
Another concern is the issue of consent and permission. K-Pop idols, like any other public figure, have a right to control their own image and likeness. The creation of deepfakes without their consent can be seen as an invasion of their privacy and a potential exploitation of their fame. While some idols may not mind the creation of deepfakes, others may view it as an unauthorized use of their image. kpop idol 19 deepfake
Despite these efforts, several major challenges remain. The anonymous nature of the internet and the use of overseas platforms make it difficult to track perpetrators and remove content, forcing agencies to work with international law firms for cross-border cooperation.
Illegal distribution relies heavily on Telegram chat rooms, where thousands of users share and monetize these synthetic violations behind anonymous, light-moderation walls. The primary distribution vectors for this content have
Furthermore, deepfake abuse is frequently amplified by coordinated harassment. In Telegram "humiliation chats" or "neung-yeok bang," members are often required to submit deepfakes of their own acquaintances (gyeop-ji-in) for entry. Abusers do not just share the fake images; they publish the victim's real name, phone number, school, and social media handles to facilitate further exploitation. In extreme cases, perpetrators blackmail victims by threatening to send convincing deepfakes to family members.
Management companies and tech platforms are beginning to mount a more aggressive defense. Telegram has removed nearly a million violating posts
In response to the growing concern around deepfakes, some entertainment companies have begun to take steps to address the issue. For example, some agencies have implemented strict policies regarding the use of their artists' images and likenesses, while others have explored the use of AI-powered tools to detect and remove deepfakes.