Prosecutors Seek Prison Term for Teenager in Deepfake Exploitation Material Case

Prosecutors have requested a prison sentence for a teenager who created and distributed fake sexual exploitation videos made with artificial intelligence (AI) technology. The prosecution emphasized that despite the defendant's young age, severe punishment is necessary considering the nature of the crime and the gravity of the harm caused. While acknowledging the defendant is a minor and has confessed, the prosecution highlighted the need for harsh penalties due to the difficulty in recovering from the damage inflicted by creating deepfake videos targeting teachers and distributing them to third parties.

Victims in the case, teachers, testified in court that their daily lives were devastated by the ordeal. Three of the five victimized teachers attended the hearing and described the severe aftereffects they have suffered since the crime. One teacher testified that they now fear even participating in photo shoots and feel uncomfortable with students' gazes whenever they stand in front of the class. This teacher, who is undergoing psychiatric counseling and medication, implored the court to impose the maximum sentence, stating that being a minor should not be an excuse for leniency. Another victim teacher revealed that their values regarding the teaching profession had been shattered. They expressed a desire to fulfill their role as an educator, guiding children on how to live and their life paths, but now feel as though their life's purpose has vanished, shedding tears.

The difficulty of completely erasing digital sexual crime material once it has spread online was also emphasized. Despite receiving counseling for months, one victim teacher confessed that even a slight 'click' sound or the word 'deepfake' sends their heart into their chest. They revealed that they, who once loved children, now find themselves suspecting their students, expressing despair at the prospect of teaching for over 30 more years filled with fear and distrust. This trauma, they added, will follow them for life due to the nature of digital sexual crimes.

The defense attorney for Mr. A argued for leniency, citing the possibility of an impulsive act driven by sexual curiosity given the defendant's age at the time of the incident, and requested consideration of his potential for rehabilitation. Mr. A also pleaded for leniency in his final statement, expressing remorse. Mr. A was indicted in August 2024 for using AI to synthesize the faces of five teachers onto explicit images and distributing them on social media. Investigations revealed that, including additional charges brought during the trial, Mr. A produced deepfake videos targeting a total of 11 individuals on 35 separate occasions. The victim teachers confirmed the commission of the crime in January 2024. Mr. A reportedly withdrew from school before a teachers' rights committee meeting, thus avoiding separate disciplinary action.