BELIFT LAB, the agency behind rising girl group ILLIT, has issued a decisive update on the legal actions taken against individuals responsible for creating and distributing deepfake content involving the members. On June 30, the agency confirmed that multiple perpetrators have already been arrested and sentenced to prison—marking a critical development in the ongoing fight against malicious digital abuse in the K-pop industry.
The swift and resolute actions taken by BELIFT LAB highlight the agency’s zero-tolerance approach when it comes to safeguarding its artists, especially given that several ILLIT members are minors. In its official statement, the agency underscored its unwavering commitment to artist protection and declared there would be no room for settlements or leniency. Anyone found to be involved in defamation, the spread of false information, or making sexually explicit remarks about Yunah, Minju, Moka, Wonhee, and Iroha would be subject to strict legal consequences.
BELIFT LAB also emphasized that their monitoring efforts are ongoing and expansive. Platforms such as Naver, YouTube, theqoo, Nate, and X (formerly Twitter) are under constant surveillance for content that violates the group’s rights. According to the agency, new complaints are being filed regularly, and several investigations have progressed to the point of having confirmed the identities and charges of the accused. These cases have been officially handed over to prosecutors for further legal action.
In a firm statement, the company said, “We will continue to make every effort to ensure severe punishment for those currently under investigation and legal proceedings.” They also encouraged fans to stay involved by reporting suspicious or abusive content through the HYBE Artist Rights Protection Reporting Center, affirming that “your support and active reporting are of great help in this process.”
This development comes amid a wider trend in the K-pop industry, where the proliferation of deepfake and defamatory content has targeted not only ILLIT but also artists from other HYBE subsidiaries. Groups like BTS, NewJeans, LE SSERAFIM, and ENHYPEN have all been affected by similar threats since April. In each case, HYBE and its subsidiaries have been quick to take firm legal action, earning praise from fans for their serious and proactive stance.
The issue of deepfakes, particularly when minors are involved, strikes at the heart of ongoing debates around digital ethics, privacy, and the exploitation of celebrities. BELIFT LAB’s recent actions set a precedent, demonstrating that entertainment companies are no longer willing to remain passive in the face of such violations. Their firm response sends a strong message—not just to offenders, but to the entire industry—that abuse, in any form, will be met with serious legal consequences.
