Police Raid Gyeongnam Provincial Office Over 'Deepfake and Election Interference' Allegations

The Cyber Investigation Division of the Gyeongnam Provincial Police Agency conducted a compulsory investigation regarding allegations of "deepfake video production and election interference using government resources" that surfaced in the camp of Park Wansu, the Gyeongnam governor-elect from the People Power Party, during the 9th nationwide local elections.

The search and seizure, which began at 10 a.m. on June 9, concluded just before noon.

It is understood that about 10 police officers were deployed in the operation, collecting materials related to the allegations from several departments within the provincial government office, including the public relations office and the ENG video room.

Prior to the search and seizure, police reportedly also collected the home computer and mobile phone of a current public relations office employee.

Gyeongnam Provincial Office.
Photo by Se Ryeong Lee

This search and seizure was conducted in connection with allegations of violations of the Public Official Election Act regarding the "production and distribution of deepfake videos and election interference using government resources" by Park Wansu's camp, which were raised in the final stages of the Gyeongnam gubernatorial election.

Previously, an individual identified as "A," who was responsible for video production in Park's campaign, reported to the Gyeongnam Election Commission that the campaign had distributed 32 deepfake videos using AI since around mid-March, and operated a quasi-campaign office even while Park was serving as the incumbent governor.

This person also claimed that, in the process, orders for video production and related materials were received from officials in political and other local government positions.

He stated that he produced and uploaded one deepfake music video and 19 short regular videos to a YouTube channel he created.

However, he said there was no instruction to produce deepfake videos defaming candidate Kim Kyung-Soo, and that he independently created and uploaded deepfake videos, but removed them immediately after realizing they were illegal.

On May 29, based on the tip-off from "A," the Gyeongnam Election Commission requested an investigation by the Changwon District Prosecutors' Office into campaign officials from Park Wansu's camp and nine former and current Gyeongnam provincial government officials on suspicion of violating the Public Official Election Act.

The police are currently investigating five cases of negative campaigning involving nine individuals, including officials from Park Wansu's campaign and former and current Gyeongnam provincial government employees.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.