South Korea Bans Deepfake Pornography Amid Surge

South Korea is grappling with a severe crisis stemming from the proliferation of non-consensual deepfake pornography, primarily targeting women and often created by teenage boys. Affected women report lasting trauma, anxiety, and the need for ongoing treatment, as evidenced by one victim who described the emotional devastation caused by fake nude images. In response to the crisis, the South Korean parliament recently revised laws to criminalize the watching or possession of deepfake porn content. The situation has led to protests and public forums, with experts highlighting the role of misogynistic cultural norms and lack of education in exacerbating the problem. Officials, including President Yoon Suk Yeol, acknowledge a surge in explicit deepfake content, prompting a police crackdown. Observers warn that failure to address these issues could further deepen the already troubled gender divide in society.