AI-Generated Fake Experts Used in Deceptive Food Advertising in South Korea
South Korea's food and drug regulator detected 16 companies using AI-generated fake expert videos to deceptively advertise unapproved food products as treatments for medical conditions, or mimicking approved medications. The companies generated approximately 114 billion won in sales through fraudulent claims, leading to criminal referrals and regulatory action.
What happened
Between October 28 and December 12, 2025, South Korea's Ministry of Food and Drug Safety detected 16 food companies engaged in deceptive online advertising using AI-generated videos of fake doctors, pharmacists, and health experts. The companies promoted food products as treatments or cures for conditions including urinary tract infections, prostate enlargement, and skin problems, despite these being unapproved general food items.
Four companies additionally marketed general food products under names mimicking approved pharmaceuticals: products named similarly to weight-loss medication 'Wegovy' were advertised using 'GLP-1 stimulation' language; products imitating ADHD treatment 'Concerta' claimed to increase focus; and a product resembling acne treatment 'Isotretinoin' was labeled 'for acne.' Twelve companies used AI-generated expert videos to make false or exaggerated health claims.
Reported impact
The 12 companies using AI-generated expert videos generated approximately 84 billion won in sales. Four companies imitating pharmaceutical packaging generated approximately 30 billion won in sales, for a combined total of approximately 114 billion won.
Index analysis
The scheme exploited consumer trust in medical authority by using synthetic video of supposed Seoul National University medical professors and other health professionals to endorse unproven products. The deceptive claims targeted vulnerable populations seeking treatments for serious health conditions.
Governance controls
The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety conducted online monitoring across shopping platforms and social media from October 28 to December 12, 2025, and conducted on-site inspections of suspected companies. The agency referred all 16 companies for administrative penalties and criminal investigation, blocked access to 63 suspected AI-generated advertisements and 129 product imitation posts, and warned consumers against false advertising.
Classification
Sources and evidence
Sources not yet published
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