South Korea Inquest Deepfake Video Attacking Accused President

South Korea’s presidential office demands that law enforcement inquire into two YouTubers for reportedly creating and spreading a deepfake video attacking accused President Yoon Suk Yeol and First Lady Kim Keon-hee. The complaint filed under the Act on Special Cases Concerning the Punishment of Sexual Crime was informed by Yonhap News Agency on Monday. 

According to the authorities, one accused initiated the exploited video at reform in Gwangju on Saturday, where objectors urged for Yoon’s removal from office. However, the other suspect is convicted of constantly uploading explicit content on YouTube. Besides, various officials criticized such actions, explaining how these videos not only breached laws but also publicly maligned the head of state and his better half. The presidential office stressed that the creation and distribution of fake video content is a serious crime that necessitates a comprehensive investigation.

Yoon Suk Yeol’s lawful problems were initiated in December when he began to apply martial law stressing political unrest. He was in custody on January 15 and legally arrested after four days of misusing his power and trying to start a revolution. He was arrested on January 26, the first sitting South Korean president to be arrested. He has been off the job since parliament impeached him on December 14. The Constitutional Court now has six months to rule whether he will go back to office or be out for good. Let us therefore stay tuned for the final ruling as it unfolds.

The deepfake video has put more pressure on Yoon’s already existing political and legal woes. The government of South Korea is ramping up efforts to prevent the abuse of deepfake technology, particularly in politics and crime. Authorities have vowed severe legal action against individuals who produce or distribute dangerous fake videos.