An AI-generated film that claimed to have secured permission from a famous actress has sparked major controversy after the actress’s side firmly denied any knowledge drawing attention to serious deepfake concerns. The actress at the center is Yeom Hye-ran. As media inquiries began, the video in question was suddenly set to private.
The AI film, titled The Meter Reader, features a digitally recreated version of Yeom Hye-ran as the lead character. From subtle facial expressions and eye movements to gestures and even voice, the portrayal was so detailed that it strongly resembled the real actress.
Online reactions quickly poured in, with viewers expressing shock at the hyper-realistic depiction. Comments such as “It’s eerily identical,” “I thought Yeom Hye-ran actually starred in this,” and “Has generative AI advanced this far?” highlighted the viral attention surrounding the video.
Although the creators claimed the project was made with permission to use Yeom Hye-ran’s likeness, both the actress and her agency stated they were completely unaware of the video’s existence expressing confusion and discomfort.
On March 31, her agency Ace Factory told Sports DongA in a phone interview that the claim of having obtained consent was “completely false,” adding that they would “request immediate removal” of the content.
Following the agency’s swift response, the controversial The Meter Reader video has now been switched to private. The agency emphasized that beyond unauthorized use of likeness, the false claim that the actress had approved it is a serious issue, and they are currently considering legal action.
This controversy is being viewed as a real-world example of the risks associated with the rapid spread of generative AI in content production. Industry insiders and netizens alike expect the case to have significant repercussions. One source noted, “This incident clearly highlights both the explosive impact of deepfake technology and the inherent dangers behind it.”
Meanwhile, Yeom Hye-ran is preparing for the release of her upcoming film My Name, directed by Jung Ji-young, which is set to premiere on April 15.
Sources: Nate
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