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A South Korean fan has lost more than £260,000 after believing she was in contact with Squid Game star Lee Jung Jae. The case, which unfolded over several months, used modern tech and old-fashioned emotional manipulation to convince the victim she was communicating with the actor.
How the impersonation was staged using AI and forged documents
Scammers built credibility with visual evidence and false paperwork. They sent an AI-generated video that showed a man resembling Lee Jung Jae at an airport. Alongside that, they provided a fabricated ID image to support the claim.
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- AI video clips mimicking the actor’s appearance and mannerisms
- Photos of a counterfeit identification card
- Messages claiming a new season of Squid Game was in production
The combination of moving images and documents gave the illusion of authenticity. The victim accepted the materials as real and continued the conversation.
Emotional pressure and gradual financial requests
After initial contact, the impersonator shifted tactics. Conversations grew intimate, using pet names and affectionate language to deepen trust. Then a new character appeared: a supposed “manager” who could arrange a meeting — for a fee.
Step-by-step exploitation
- Friendly messages to establish rapport
- Affectionate language to build emotional dependence
- Introduction of an intermediary who demanded payments
- Repeated requests spread over months
Over roughly six months, these layered demands drained the victim’s savings. The total extracted surpassed £260,000.
Official response from the actor’s agency and fan safety advice
Artist Company, the agency that represents Lee Jung Jae, publicly warned fans about the scam. The agency stressed that neither they nor their artists would ask for money, wire transfers, or sponsorships via private messages.
Fans were urged to ignore any requests for payment and to treat unsolicited contact with extreme caution. The agency also pledged to promote a safer fan culture and to take steps to prevent similar incidents.
Law enforcement steps and the wider digital fraud risk
South Korean police have launched an investigation to identify those responsible. Authorities are tracing the digital footprints used in the scam and working to recover funds where possible.
This case highlights two growing threats:
- How AI tools can manufacture convincing multimedia evidence
- How emotional grooming can be paired with financial fraud
Experts warn that public figures and their representatives can be impersonated with increasing sophistication. Fans are advised to verify identities through official channels and to report suspicious approaches immediately.
