Actor Lee Jung-jae’s fake ID and AI photo
A shocking case emerged where a gang posing as actor Lee Jung-jae using AI-generated images deceived a woman in her 50s out of 5 billion KRW (approximately INR 300 crore) in a romance scam, prompting the actor’s agency to issue urgent warnings and promise strong countermeasures. According to a report on October 22 by Yonhap News, the woman from Miryang, Gyeongnam, was approached by scammers who sent AI-generated selfies and forged ID cards to build trust and simulate a romantic relationship, exploiting her identity as a fan.
Agency’s firm warning and investigation
Artist Company, Lee Jung-jae’s agency, officially declared through their social media that neither the company nor the actor will ever solicit money, account transfers, or donations outrightly from anyone. They urged fans and the public not to respond to any suspicious economic requests to prevent victimization. The agency is cooperating closely with relevant authorities to investigate the case and vowed to take strong actions to protect the artist and fans from further harm.
Details of the scam and ongoing police investigation
The scam reportedly started with messages claiming the desire to communicate with fans, leading to trust-building using AI-manipulated photos and fake identification. The perpetrators then pretended to be in an intimate relationship with the victim, extracting money under various pretenses. Gyeongnam Provincial Police have not ruled out links to an organized crime group based in Cambodia and are investigating all possible channels involved.
Rising concerns over AI misuse in scams
This incident highlights growing concerns about the misuse of AI technology in online frauds, particularly in ‘romance scams’ that exploit celebrity images and fan emotions to perpetrate high-value crimes. Authorities and agencies urge heightened vigilance as such crimes become more sophisticated.
