Presidential Office of South Korea Seeks Inquiry into YouTubers for Deep Fake Video of President Yoon and First Lady
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Synopsis
The South Korean presidential office has requested an investigation into YouTubers who posted a deep fake video of President Yoon Suk Yeol and his wife, Kim Keon Hee. The office filed a complaint for violations of sexual crimes law and emphasized the seriousness of such false media.
Key Takeaways
- Presidential office seeks police investigation into YouTubers.
- Complaint filed due to deep fake video of President Yoon.
- Accusations include violations of sexual crimes law.
- Separate complaint made against a YouTuber for defamation.
- Political tensions rise amidst impeachment discussions.
Seoul, Feb 17 (NationPress) The presidential office of South Korea announced on Monday that it has urged law enforcement to investigate YouTubers responsible for disseminating a deep fake video featuring President Yoon Suk Yeol and first lady Kim Keon Hee.
The office indicated that a complaint was lodged against two operators of YouTube channels for allegedly breaching the Act on Special Cases Concerning the Punishment of Sexual Crimes.
One individual is accused of broadcasting the video during a rally in Gwangju, approximately 300 kilometers south of Seoul, aimed at demanding Yoon's removal from office, while the other reportedly uploaded the video multiple times on YouTube.
The office stated, "The actions of the accused are not only clear violations of the law, but they also victimise the Republic of Korea's head of state and his spouse, publicly defaming them."
It further asserted, "(We) stress that the creation and distribution of fraudulent video material are grave criminal offenses that are intolerable and call for a comprehensive investigation."
In a separate case, the presidential office also filed a complaint against a YouTuber who shared a video suggesting a shamanic ritual was occurring at the presidential office, citing defamation through falsehood, according to reports from Yonhap news agency.
Earlier that day, the acting leader of the ruling People Power Party dismissed rumors about President Yoon Suk Yeol potentially resigning ahead of a ruling on his impeachment trial, labeling such speculation as unrealistic and inappropriate.
Kwon Young-se made these comments during a debate forum organized by the Kwanhun Club, a gathering of senior journalists, when questioned about Yoon's potential voluntary resignation amidst fears that an impeachment ruling could incite political unrest.
Meanwhile, the National Assembly had voted to impeach Yoon following his surprising, albeit brief, declaration of martial law on December 3. He had faced indictment on accusations of inciting insurrection and had been arrested.
Yoon was also alleged to have dispatched military troops to the National Assembly to prevent lawmakers from voting against the martial law declaration and to have plotted the arrest of key political figures.
