South Korea launches nationwide drive against AI deepfakes and hateful online comments
Anti-cyberbullying activists, lawmakers and foreign diplomats gathered in Seoul to announce a national campaign targeting AI-generated deepfakes and malicious online remarks.
On Wednesday, the Sunfull Foundation convened anti-cyberbullying advocates, legislators and diplomats in central Seoul to launch a countrywide effort against AI-generated deepfakes and hostile online commentary. The ceremony, held at The Grand Lotte Seoul, commemorated the movement’s 19th year and highlighted the shift from traditional bullying to digital threats that endanger personal dignity. Attendees named the inaugural 2026 Sunfull Human Rights Ambassadors—broadcasters Seo Kyung-seok and Kim Yong-man, chef Austin Kang, and BLACKSWAN members Gabi and Sriya—alongside student, teacher and campaign representatives.
All 299 members of the previous 21st National Assembly signed a political declaration, while 34 sitting lawmakers from both parties now sit on the National Assembly Sunfull Committee. Representatives from 19 foreign missions, including Timor-Leste’s ambassador Antonio de Sa Benevides, endorsed the initiative and called for protection of Asian migrant workers’ rights. The gathering concluded with a documentary screening and the signing of a "K-Respect" pledge to reject deepfakes, hate speech and bullying.
