South Korean woman loses US$360,000 in AI romance scam impersonating ‘Squid Game’ star

SEOUL — A South Korean woman in her 50s has lost nearly ₩500 million (approximately US$360,000) after falling victim to a romance scam that used AI-generated images to impersonate Squid Game star Lee Jung-jae.

According to local media reports, the fraud began in April 2025, when the victim — identified only as Ms A — received a TikTok message from someone claiming to be the award-winning actor. The scammer said he wanted to “connect with fans” and later moved their conversation to KakaoTalk, a popular South Korean messaging app.

AI selfies, fake IDs, and emotional manipulation

To appear convincing, the impersonator sent AI-generated selfies of “Lee Jung-jae” taken at an airport, along with a forged driver’s licence bearing the actor’s name. They even referenced “ongoing filming for Squid Game 3,” creating a sense of authenticity.

As trust grew, the scammer introduced a supposed “company executive” who offered to arrange a private meeting between Ms A and Lee — for ₩6 million (approximately US$4,300). Further payments followed, including ₩10 million (approximately US$7,200) for a fake “VIP fan card,” and more after the scammer claimed the actor had been detained at a U.S. airport.

Over six months, the victim transferred a total of ₩500 million, believing she was helping her celebrity “boyfriend.”

Investigation and public warning

Police in Gyeongnam Province are investigating possible links to Cambodian-based cybercrime rings known for operating AI-powered scams targeting East Asians.

Lee Jung-jae’s agency confirmed on 22 October that it is assisting authorities and warned that neither the actor nor his representatives would ever solicit money or personal details from fans.

The case has reignited concerns over the growing use of AI deepfake technology in online scams, particularly on social media platforms.