AI Crime Is Here—And Korea’s Legal System Isn’t Ready

In early November, a woman in Busan received a call from her “son,” claiming he had been in an accident and needed money urgently. His voice, mannerisms, and speech patterns were flawless. She wired ₩2 million—only to discover later it was an AI deepfake scam.

Incidents like this are growing fast. According to the Korean Cyber Crime Investigation Unit, AI-generated fraud cases in 2024 have tripled compared to last year, ranging from voice spoofing and fake hiring notices to AI-generated court documents. The tools are cheap, accessible, and disturbingly convincing.

“The barrier to entry is gone,” says investigator Lee Jin-woo. “Anyone with a laptop and a few voice clips can now imitate a person’s voice or create fake legal documents. It’s a nightmare for both law enforcement and victims.”

Yet Korea’s legal system is lagging behind. Existing fraud laws do not yet distinguish between human deception and algorithmic forgery. As a result, many perpetrators walk free or face only minor charges. Judges must improvise—often unequally.

The Ministry of Justice has formed a task force to draft “synthetic crime” legislation aimed at AI-driven impersonation, identity theft, and document falsification. However, legal scholars warn of complex challenges. “What happens when the AI is autonomous? Who is responsible—the user, the developer, or the model itself?” asks Prof. Hwang Seung-ho of Korea University Law School.

The public is increasingly concerned. A September survey showed that 64% of Koreans fear AI scams more than traditional cyberattacks. Startups are rushing to meet demand for AI detection software, but adoption is slow among local institutions.

Korea, often an early adopter of new tech, now faces the paradox of innovation without regulation. Until laws catch up, citizens are left to navigate the digital Wild West—with no sheriff in sight.

Date: 2024-11-25

Reporter: 박근홍