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Number of deepfake sex videos up for review exceeds last year's figure in 8 months

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By Yonhap
  • Published KST
Science and ICT Minister Bae Kyung-hoon listens to an explanation of a “deepfake detection and AI agent safety evaluation” during his visit to the Korea Artificial Intelligence Safety Institute in Seongnam, Gyeonggi Province, Oct. 23, 2025. Courtesy of Ministry of Science and ICT

Science and ICT Minister Bae Kyung-hoon listens to an explanation of a “deepfake detection and AI agent safety evaluation” during his visit to the Korea Artificial Intelligence Safety Institute in Seongnam, Gyeonggi Province, Oct. 23, 2025. Courtesy of Ministry of Science and ICT

The number of deepfake sex crime videos pending review by a Korean media regulator has surpassed 17,000 as of August this year, already surpassing last year's total, data showed Saturday.

The state-run Korea Communications Standards Commission has received 17,378 cases of sex crime videos using deepfake technology for review from January to August, according to data submitted to Rep. Lee Yeon-hee of the ruling Democratic Party of Korea.

This represents a nearly 9.9 percent increase from last year's total of 15,808 cases.

The number of videos sent for review had gradually increased from 1,913 in 2021 to 3,574 in 2022, 7,187 in 2023 and 23,109 in 2024 before falling to 15,808 cases in 2025.

"With the number of reviews of deepfake sexual content already exceeding last year's annual total, it is essential to closely examine the current situation and response mechanisms," Rep. Lee said, calling for effective measures to prevent the spread of the content and protect victims.