Over 60 Women Victimized by Deepfake Pornography in Seoul National University
Seoul National University Entangled in Deepfake Pornography Scandal
Seoul National University (SNU) is currently embroiled in a scandal that echoes the infamous "Nth Room" incident, with over 61 women, including 12 SNU students, identified as victims of deepfake pornography. Five individuals, among them two SNU graduates, have been arrested for their roles in producing and distributing sexually explicit deepfake images and videos of female acquaintances and fellow students.
Key Takeaways:
- Incident Details: The suspects, including two former SNU students, were involved in creating and distributing deepfake pornography featuring 61 women.
- Perpetrators and Methods: The main culprits, Park (40) and Kang (31), used photos from victims' KakaoTalk profiles to fabricate explicit content, which they shared through private Telegram chat rooms.
- Extent of Crime: A total of 1852 explicit photos and videos were produced, with Park distributing 100 videos and another accomplice, identified as C, creating 2101 videos.
- Investigation and Arrests: With the support of the civilian group "Tracking Team Spark," the police conducted an extensive undercover operation leading to the arrest of Park and his accomplices.
Deep Analysis:
The "Second Nth Room" incident at SNU highlights the persistent issue of digital sex crimes facilitated by advanced technology such as deepfakes. The primary perpetrators, both SNU graduates, exploited their familiarity with the victims, using innocent profile photos from social media to create explicit deepfake content. This content was then disseminated through multiple private Telegram chat rooms, some hosting up to 50 members, demonstrating the perpetrators' organized approach.
The motivation behind these crimes seems to be the gratification of deviant sexual desires rather than financial gain, disturbingly similar to the original "Nth Room" case, where perpetrators sought to exploit and humiliate victims for personal satisfaction.
The involvement of "Tracking Team Spark" was instrumental in apprehending the suspects. Their efforts, including a member infiltrating the private chat rooms under a false identity for two years, emphasize the importance of civilian cooperation in tackling complex digital crimes. The successful arrest of Park and his associates underscores the necessity of collaborative efforts between law enforcement and vigilant civilian groups in combating such pervasive issues.
Did You Know?
The original "Nth Room" case, which broke in 2019, involved the creation and distribution of sexually exploitative content of numerous women, including minors, through Telegram. The main perpetrator, Cho Ju-bin, was sentenced to 40 years in prison. This case prompted significant legal and societal changes in South Korea, leading to stricter laws against digital sex crimes and increased public awareness. The "Second Nth Room" incident at Seoul National University underscores the persistent and evolving nature of these crimes, despite enhanced legal frameworks and societal vigilance.