AI deepfake pornography targets women in South Korea
AI-generated deepfake pornography has become a widespread threat in South Korea, with nearly 98 percent of deepfake content being pornographic images of women, and more than half of victims located in the country. The government-founded National Center for Digital Sexual Crime Response, staffed by 23 women investigators, removed 318,000 videos and photos in one year on behalf of 10,600 people.
What happened
AI-generated deepfake pornography has become widespread in South Korea, with harassers using generative technology and photos of victims' faces to fabricate invasive pornographic images.
Between 2019 and 2023, global deepfake circulation surged 550 percent, with nearly 98 percent of content being AI-generated pornography of women, and more than half the victims in South Korea.
Reported impact
Women suffer rampant 'digital sex crimes' in South Korea, ranging from spycam filming to non-consensual sharing of intimate imagery and AI-generated deepfakes.
One 33-year-old military member reported having deepfakes shared in 2024 on encrypted apps. The National Center for Digital Sexual Crime Response pulled down 318,000 videos and photos in one year on behalf of 10,600 people, 75 percent of whom were women and girls.
Index analysis
The National Center for Digital Sexual Crime Response, founded in 2018 with 23 women investigators, removed illegal AI-enabled pornography through delete requests backed by threats of legal action and operated 17 regional hubs offering counselling and legal advice.
Classification
Sources and evidence
This record was researched and written by the Index, based on the following original reporting.