Squid Game Star Impostor Dupes Woman Out of $350,000
A scammer posing as Squid Game star Lee Jung-jae allegedly conned a woman out of more than $350,000 (500 million won) over six months, propping up the ruse with fake documents and deepfake videos while promising an in-person meeting.
Here is one for the modern nightmare file: someone allegedly used AI to pose as Squid Game star Lee Jung-jae and convinced a 50-year-old woman to send over $350,000. Over six months. With pet names and deepfake videos. Yikes.
What happened
According to reports in the South Korean press (Korea JoongAng Daily), a scammer spent half a year chatting with the victim while pretending to be Lee Jung-jae. They promised a meet-up eventually, sprinkled in plenty of affectionate language like 'honey' and 'darling,' and when that felt convincing enough, they started asking for money.
The first transfer was a little over $4,000 (about 6 million won). Bit by bit, over six months, that ballooned to more than $350,000 (roughly 500 million won). To keep the illusion alive, the scammer allegedly sent forged legal documents and AI-generated videos to 'prove' they were the actor. The scheme unraveled in mid-October 2025.
Where things stand
The Gyeongnam Provincial Police Agency is investigating. They suspect a link to a Cambodian crime ring, but as of now they have not confirmed any concrete evidence.
The agency responds
Lee Jung-jae's management, Artist Company, put out a statement after the story broke, stressing that their talent does not solicit money from fans and urging people to be careful. They also said they are cooperating with authorities and will take action to protect artists and fans.
'We make it clear that neither the company nor any of our artists ever request money, bank transfers, or financial support under any circumstances.'
'If you are contacted with such requests, please do not respond and take extra caution to avoid becoming a victim of fraud.'
(The statement was carried by The Korea Times.)
Why this is so messy
It is the perfect storm of a long con: romance-adjacent messaging, fake paperwork, and deepfakes that look legit enough to lower your guard. If a celebrity slides into your DMs asking for cash, it is not them. Ever.
- Victim: 50-year-old woman
- Alleged scammer: impersonated Lee Jung-jae using AI/deepfake videos and forged documents
- Money sent: started at a little over $4,000 (6 million won), grew to over $350,000 (500 million won) across six months
- Timeline: conversations over six months; scam came to light in mid-October 2025
- Investigation: Gyeongnam Provincial Police Agency; possible Cambodian crime ring connection not yet confirmed
- Agency stance: Artist Company says they never request money and is working with authorities