Deepfake Sexual Crimes Nearly Quadruple... Most Suspects Are Teenagers

National Assembly's Women and Family Committee Urgent Inquiry on 'Deepfake Sexual Crimes'
Police Agency Reports Sharp Increase from 77 to 297 Cases Compared to Same Month Last Year

The National Assembly's Women and Family Committee held an emergency inquiry regarding deepfake (AI-based image synthesis technology) sex crimes. The National Police Agency reported that the occurrence of deepfake sex crimes has nearly quadrupled, with teenagers accounting for 73.6% of the suspects. Lawmakers from both ruling and opposition parties pointed out the inadequacies in the police investigation manual and the structure that makes it easy for teenagers to become involved in crimes.

On the afternoon of the 4th, the National Assembly's Women and Family Committee conducted an emergency inquiry at the National Assembly to assess the current status of deepfake sex crimes and seek eradication measures. Kim Byung-chan, Director of the Investigation Bureau at the National Police Agency's National Investigation Headquarters, attended the inquiry and reported, "Major types of crimes related to false videos (deepfakes) include overlapping acquaintance groups, targeting specific individuals, targeting specific occupational groups, and crimes against celebrities," adding, "According to statistics, deepfake crimes have been on the rise every year since 2021 through this year," and "Especially until July of this year, there has been an increase of nearly four times compared to the same period last year."

On the 4th, an emergency inquiry to review countermeasures against 'deepfake sex crimes' is being conducted at the plenary meeting of the Women and Family Committee held at the National Assembly. Photo by Kim Hyun-min kimhyun81@

According to data submitted by the National Police Agency to the National Assembly, among 178 suspects identified between January and July of this year, 131 are teenagers. Han Ji-a, a member of the People Power Party, expressed concern, saying, "Previously, celebrities were the main victims of deepfake crimes, but now it is easily circulated among children and teenagers," and "Both the victims and the suspects are teenagers." She further requested, "Even among teenagers, the severity of punishment and educational methods differ depending on whether they are 'chokbeopsonyeon' (juveniles below the age of criminal responsibility), so please provide more detailed statistics in the future." In response, Director Kim said, "We will categorize accordingly."

Meanwhile, Representative Han stated, "Strict punishment is not always the answer," but added, "Since deepfake crimes clearly constitute sex crimes, I believe this could lead to discussions about lowering the age of criminal responsibility for chokbeopsonyeon." She referred to the fact that deepfake sex crimes mainly involve teenagers and suggested narrowing the scope of 'chokbeopsonyeon,' who are not held criminally responsible. Under the current Juvenile Act, youths under the age of 14 at the time of the offense receive protective measures instead of criminal punishment.

Jang Cheol-min, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, questioned Director Kim, "Does the National Police Agency currently have an investigation manual specifically for deepfake sex crimes?" and criticized, "There is only a general manual, and the investigation system is inadequate." He further argued, "Victims have to find evidence themselves and often feel shame during the investigation process," and "It seems the police might be causing secondary harm." Director Kim responded, "I will check the manual and report back," adding, "At the police station level, only victim interviews are conducted initially, and cases are then transferred to the city or provincial police agency."