Deepfake Porn Ruins Lives in South Korea

In South Korea, the rise of deepfake pornography is causing immense distress, with victims facing harassment, threats, and profound psychological trauma. Ruma, a pseudonym to protect her identity, experienced this firsthand when explicit deepfake images using her face surfaced online, accompanied by vulgar and demeaning messages.

While revenge porn is not new, AI-driven deepfakes present a novel threat. Anyone can become a target, regardless of whether they’ve ever shared explicit content. South Korea, already grappling with digital sex crimes, now faces an escalating crisis, particularly within schools.

Schools and Universities Hit Hard

Data from the education ministry reveals that over 900 students, teachers, and staff in schools reported deepfake sex crimes between January and November of last year. Universities have also witnessed a surge in similar attacks. This crisis prompted the establishment of an emergency task force and legislative action, including amendments to increase penalties for creating, distributing, or even viewing deepfake porn.

Despite these measures, arrests remain low compared to the reported cases, leading to criticism that investigations and punishments are insufficient. Some victims are taking matters into their own hands, conducting their own investigations to seek justice.

Victims Fight Back

Ruma’s experience highlights the devastating impact of deepfake porn. Once a vibrant student, she became withdrawn and distrustful after the incident. Dissatisfied with the pace of the police investigation, she sought help from activist Won Eun-ji, known for exposing digital sex crime groups on Telegram.

Won infiltrated the chat room where Ruma’s deepfake images were shared, gathering information that led to the arrest of two former Seoul National University students. The main perpetrator received a 9-year prison sentence, while an accomplice was sentenced to 3.5 years. The case revealed at least 61 victims, including current and former SNU students.

Public Apathy and the Role of Social Media

Another victim, a high school teacher named Kim, discovered manipulated images of herself online. Despite identifying the perpetrator, a student, she faced a lack of public empathy, with some dismissing the crime’s severity because it didn’t involve her “real body.”

Social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter) face pressure to act against the spread of deepfake content. While X has policies against deceptive and harmful content, obtaining user information often requires legal processes, which can be time-consuming.

Telegram’s Shift and Future Outlook

Telegram, a platform known for its privacy features, has become a breeding ground for digital crimes. However, the company announced it would begin sharing user data with authorities. This decision followed the arrest of Telegram’s CEO in France, signaling a potential turning point for the platform.

While victims welcome these developments, they emphasize the need for heavier punishments for perpetrators and greater support for victims. They hope that increased awareness and stricter enforcement will lead to meaningful change and justice.

Keywords: Deepfake porn, South Korea, digital sex crimes, AI, revenge porn, Telegram, Won Eun-ji, Seoul National University, cybercrime, online harassment, social media.