Kim Hee-cheol Exposes Deepfake Ads Exploiting His Image and Voice

On July 21, 2026, Kim Hee-cheol of Super Junior revealed he was a victim of deepfake technology, with his face and voice used in fraudulent gambling advertisements. During a YouTube video release, he shared that he was shocked to find videos featuring him promoting gambling sites. The incident highlights the growing issue of deepfake crimes, as SM Entertainment's in-house lawyer noted that individuals have been sentenced for similar offenses. The company operates a reporting system called 'Gwangya 119', which handles over 200 reports daily related to artist rights violations and malicious content. Kim reported the deepfake ads to his company immediately upon discovering them, emphasizing the seriousness of the technology's misuse. This incident raises awareness about the risks associated with deepfake technology in the entertainment industry.

Key Points: • Kim Hee-cheol reported being a victim of deepfake ads promoting gambling sites. • SM Entertainment's 'Gwangya 119' system processes over 200 reports daily on artist rights violations. • Recent cases have led to prison sentences for individuals using deepfake technology illegally.