South Korea Faces Hidden Trauma of AI-Related Sex Crimes: ‘The Law Failed to Protect Me’
The Rise of Digital Sex Crimes in South Korea
A Disturbing Incident
In 2021, Ruma*, a graduate student living in South Korea, experienced a traumatic incident when she received sexually explicit, AI-generated images of herself through the messaging service Telegram. These images were created using artificial intelligence that manipulated her public profile photo. In her desperate search for help, Ruma turned to the police, only to be met with the unfortunate reality that they could not assist her.
“I felt like I was all alone,” Ruma, now 31, shared in a recent interview. “I had to gather evidence myself and even identify the person responsible… it felt like I was doing the police’s job.”
The Perpetrators
The individual identified as Park, a college alumnus, had maliciously targeted 61 women and distributed a staggering 1,852 AI-generated explicit images through Telegram. Together with an accomplice, known as Kang, they labeled themselves as “photo composition experts,” obscuring the heinous nature of their actions with a façade of technical expertise.
In a session with the judicial system, following their apprehension, Park was sentenced to ten years in prison while Kang received a four-year term. However, after filing an appeal, a court subsequently reduced their sentences to nine years for Park and three and a half years for Kang, citing settlements reached with some victims as a contributing factor.
Increasing Threat of Digital Sex Crimes
Ruma’s case highlights a troubling trend in South Korea, where incidents of digital sex crimes have surged dramatically. In 2024, more than 18,000 such cases were reported, marking a 12.7% increase compared to the previous year, according to South Korea’s Ministry of Gender Equality and Family.
Deepfake Technology: A Growing Concern
Among the most alarming aspects of this issue is the rise of deepfake technology, which has shown an astonishing growth of 227% in the past year. Deepfakes use advanced AI to generate realistic images and videos that can imitate a person’s face, voice, or actions, often putting victims into fabricated pornographic scenarios. This technology has facilitated the rise of digital harassment and exploitation, with an alarming number of individuals falling prey to this disturbing trend.
Impact on Victims
The consequences of these crimes extend far beyond legal repercussions for offenders. Victims like Ruma often deal with emotional distress, anxiety, and a profound sense of violation. The technological sophistication behind deepfake imagery adds another layer of complexity, making it exceedingly difficult for victims to navigate both the emotional and legal challenges they face.
In a worrying report, over 800 students and staff members across 504 schools in South Korea fell victim to deepfake sex crimes within just one month. This statistic underscores the urgent need for awareness, education, and effective measures to combat this rising threat in society.
Necessary Actions Moving Forward
Given the increasing prevalence of digital sex crimes and the sophisticated technology that enables them, it is crucial for governments and communities to take action. Comprehensive strategies must be developed to educate the public about the risks of sharing personal data online, the legal protections available for victims, and measures to hold perpetrators accountable.
In addition, law enforcement agencies may need training to properly handle these complex cases, ensuring victims receive the support and resources they require. Public discourse surrounding the ethical implications of AI technology should also take place, fostering a society that prioritizes the safety and well-being of all its members.
In summary, the rise of digital sex crimes using advanced technologies like deepfake is a pressing issue that demands urgent attention and concerted efforts for prevention and justice.
