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[Influencer Support Center] [Q&A] Attorney Chang-Kuk Lim Discusses Legal Issues Surrounding Virtual Characters
‘Influencer Support Center’
Legal Issues Surrounding Virtual Characters by Attorney Chang-Kuk Lim
Attorney Chang-Kuk Lim of One Law Partners, LLC brings 16 years of experience as a public prosecutor, together with extensive expertise in IT-related matters and cybercrime cases.
Accordingly, as the Director of the Influencer Support Center at One Law Partners, LLC, Attorney Chang-guk Lim has built a notable track record, including leading a dedicated task force focused on assisting individuals affected by the forced deactivation of Instagram accounts.
Q1. Can a person be punished for posting AI-generated images of virtual characters with nudity on social media and earning revenue from them?
Q2. Can selling AI-generated adult content through paid subscription services or sponsorship platforms also be illegal?
It may be.
Q3. Can images created solely by AI, without using any real person, also be subject to legal regulation?
It can.
Even if no real person appears in the image, the relevant legal provisions may still apply if the image is legally deemed obscene.
In particular, where the image depicts a person who can clearly be recognized as a child or adolescent, even a purely AI-generated image may be regarded as child or youth sexual exploitation material.
The Framework Act on Artificial Intelligence Development and Establishment of a Foundation for Trust, which came into effect in January 2026,
Where content created using generative AI is provided, or products or services utilizing such content are offered for sale, it is necessary to review whether the relevant provisions of the Framework Act on Artificial Intelligence apply.
Q7. Can legal liability be avoided by disclosing that content was generated by AI?
Not necessarily.
Even if it is disclosed that the content was generated by AI, liability under applicable laws may still arise if the content itself presents legal issues.
Where images or videos that cause sexual humiliation or disgust are transmitted against a person's will, relevant laws, including those concerning obscene acts through communications media, may apply.
If a platform becomes aware of the distribution of illegal content and nevertheless fails to take necessary measures, criminal or civil liability may arise depending on the circumstances.
Regardless of whether content is generated by AI, depending on the content itself, the manner of distribution, the monetization structure, the target audience, and whether a specific individual is used, the Information and Communications Network Act, the Act on Special Cases Concerning the Punishment of Sexual Crimes, the Act on the Protection of Children and Youth Against Sexual Offenses, and the Framework Act on Artificial Intelligence may apply, making prior legal review necessary.
The Influencer Support Center of One Law Partners, LLC is a comprehensive legal support service
dedicated to assisting influencers with the various legal issues they may encounter throughout their activities.
It provides tailored legal advice and representation in matters including advertising and sponsorship agreements, copyright, portrait rights, and tax issues,
as well as disputes involving account suspension, defamation, invasion of privacy, and stalking.
The Center also supports influencers in all aspects of their professional activities, including contract review with MCNs, brands, and platforms,
revenue settlement matters, intellectual property protection, and legal advisory services relating to global platforms.
One Law Partners, LLC understands influencers as both brands and business operators, and is committed to serving as a trusted legal partner so that influencers can focus on their creative work.
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Attorney Chang-Kuk Lim cklim@onelawpartners.com
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