0
President Lee Jae-myung speaks during a press briefing at the presidential office in Yongsan, Seoul, on November 14, announcing the final agreement on the Korea–U.S. Joint Factsheet. / Source: Yonhap News

The presidential office said Monday it has identified social-media accounts impersonating President Lee Jae-myung and vowed stern punishment under the law.

In a written briefing, deputy spokesperson Jeon Eun-su said, “Fake accounts posing as the 21st president have recently been found on platforms such as TikTok and X. We urge the public to exercise particular caution.”

According to the presidential office, the impersonator accounts list the title “21st President,” use President Lee’s name, and illegally copy photos and videos from his official social-media channels. Some accounts have gone beyond mere impersonation, with signs of criminal activity involving demands for money.

“The presidential office considers this a clear criminal act and will respond firmly to online impersonation crimes that threaten public safety,” Jeon said. “The National Office of Investigation has already launched an immediate probe. Violators will face strict punishment according to law and principle.”

Jeon added that anyone contacted by such accounts should “refrain from responding and report it to the police immediately.”