Absurd conspiracy theories claim no accident occurred
Seriousness of fake news demands special caution from audiences
Amid the chaotic situation caused by the 12·3 Emergency Martial Law incident and the Jeju Air disaster, numerous fake news stories have been produced, sparking controversy. These include videos created using deepfake technology (which composites the faces of specific individuals into videos) or impersonations of government agencies. Above all, as fake news has become more sophisticated than in the past, consumers need to exercise caution.
On the 8th, Yonhap News reported on the severity of fake news spreading indiscriminately online, including claims that the Jeju Air disaster never happened. According to the report, a recent YouTube channel posted articles titled "The crashed passenger plane was revealed to be a model aircraft" and "The crash video was revealed to be CG (computer graphics)," producing fake news. The videos recorded 110,000 and 61,000 views respectively, with over 1,000 comments. The channel has since been deleted.
A recent YouTube channel posted articles titled "The crashed passenger plane was revealed to be a model aircraft" and "The video of the crashed passenger plane was revealed to be CG (computer graphics)," spreading fake news. The videos recorded 110,000 and 61,000 views respectively, with over 1,000 comments each. The YouTube channel is currently deleted. YouTube channel 'american history'
Among these, absurd conspiracy theories denying the occurrence of the Jeju Air disaster itself have emerged. A video titled "Looking for surviving crew members" claimed that the crew member in the photo was a mannequin because there were no survivor interviews, and a video titled "First release of the captain's survival scene" did not show the related footage despite the title. The YouTuber also made baseless claims against the bereaved families of the Jeju Air disaster, saying things like "I saw this person during the Itaewon disaster too" and "I think these people are the real masterminds."
Another piece of fake news is the content titled "The Last Touch at Muan Airport," recently posted on a YouTube channel. This content showed firefighters extinguishing a fire and citizens mourning in front of a portrait photo, but it was revealed that all of these were deepfakes created using artificial intelligence (AI). Online community
Another piece of fake news is a content titled "The Last Touch at Muan Airport," recently posted on a YouTube channel. This content showed firefighters extinguishing fires and citizens mourning in front of a memorial photo, but all of these were found to be deepfakes created using artificial intelligence (AI). On the 3rd, the Fire Agency clarified that the fake news claiming a firefighter who was managing the Jeju Air disaster had died in the line of duty was false. A spokesperson from the Fire Agency said, "Seeing the comments on the video, many netizens believed this to be true, so given the seriousness of the matter, we judged it necessary to prevent its spread," adding, "It is rare to respond to fake news rather than misinformation." Reflecting the gravity of the situation, on the 6th, the National Police Agency’s Cyber Investigation Unit announced that investigations are underway into 144 cyber posts and videos defaming the bereaved families and victims.
Fake News Related to Emergency Martial Law and Impeachment Incident Also Spreads on SNS
Fake news related to the emergency martial law and the impeachment incident of President Yoon Seok-yeol is also spreading on social media. Recently, a false statement impersonating Ewha Womans University clubs circulated. On the 3rd, a statement titled "The President Who Protected the People, Now We Will Protect Him," distributed under the names of five Ewha Womans University clubs, claimed, "The possibility that the legislature could become a dictator was not considered at all," and "The impeachment is being rushed even though it is unclear whether it constitutes rebellion." Ewha Womans University stated that the statement was forged. A university official explained, "Four of the five clubs named in the statement do not actually exist," and "The original post on the online community where it was first spread has been deleted." The only existing club among the five immediately posted a rebuttal. The central club of Ewha Christian students, CCC, stated on its official SNS account on the day the statement was spread, "None of the members, including the secretary and executives, have ever agreed to or signed any such statement."
Fake news related to the emergency martial law and the impeachment crisis of President Yoon Seok-yeol is also spreading on social media. Recently, a false statement falsely claiming to be from an Ewha Womans University club circulated. In addition, there have been acts impersonating government agencies suspected of forging official documents. The 'December 3 Seoul Special Martial Law Action Award' circulated recently on social media bears President Yoon Seok-yeol's official seal and includes the phrase stating it was awarded by the 'Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs Award Office.' Online community
In addition, impersonation of government agencies suspected of forging official documents is also occurring. A "12·3 Seoul Special Martial Law Action Award" circulated recently on social media bears the seal of President Yoon Seok-yeol and states it was awarded by the "National Veterans Affairs Award Office." The award reads, "This award is given for excellently fulfilling the duties and heavy responsibilities of soldiers defending the nation and people by protecting liberal democracy from the threat of anti-state forces operating within the Republic of Korea aiming to overthrow the system." A National Veterans Affairs official said, "We have never awarded such a certificate, and there is no 'Award Office' under the Veterans Affairs," adding, "It appears to be forged without knowing which institution is responsible for awards." The Ministry of the Interior and Safety’s Awards Officer is in charge of national awards. A ministry official said, "We are closely monitoring the situation," and "If forgery of official documents continues, we plan to discuss with related agencies and consider requesting an investigation."
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