South Korea faces rising deepfake sexual abuse crimes targeting women and minors
South Korea faces a surge in deepfake sexual abuse crimes targeting women and minors, with authorities recording 297 cases between January and July 2024. Thousands protested in Seoul in September 2024, demanding government action against the spread of synthetic sexual material created using AI deep learning technology.
What happened
Thousands of South Korean citizens demonstrated in Seoul on 6 September 2024 demanding government action against rising cases of deepfake pornography. About 1,200 protesters representing hundreds of civil organizations called for a safe life free from deepfake concerns.
The National Police Agency of South Korea recorded 297 deepfake pornography crimes reported between January and July 2024, with 178 defendants including 113 teenagers. Seoul police arrested 10 teenagers aged 14 on these charges.
Reported impact
Deepfake sexual material targets women and children in South Korea. One victim from Hanyang University said she was among 20 victims at her institution and that a perpetrator who created pornographic content using classmates' faces was ultimately freed by the court despite expulsion.
Victims reported that authorities often demand they provide video evidence of abuse before investigating cases, according to activist Choi Ji Soo and accounts from those filing reports.
Index analysis
Deepfake technology uses deep learning algorithms to detect clothing in images and replace it with nudity or vulgar content. The synthetic sexual images are created from real people's photographs, many shared without consent.
Experts cite lack of comprehensive sex education in South Korea and entrenched misogynistic culture as factors contributing to the escalation. Kim Chan Seo of the Aha Center for Youth Sexual Health Education stated that insufficient sex education drives men to 'crueler methods to understand and express sexuality,' creating 'a breeding ground for rape culture.'
Governance controls
Speakers at the demonstration stated that government inaction and insufficient support for victims have allowed deepfake pornography to spread. They attributed responsibility to authorities for not assisting victims making reports.
Classification
Sources and evidence
This record was researched and written by the Index, based on the following original reporting.