The Discomfort of 200,000 Clicks: The Blind Spot in Korea's Deepfake Regulation Exposed by AI Mockery of 'Yu Gwan-sun Fart Rocket'

One-line hook: Three days before the 107th anniversary of the March 1st Movement, independence activist Yu Gwan-sun became a 'fart rocket' on TikTok's algorithm. And the police can do nothing.

TL;DR

• A TikTok user posted 3 AI-generated videos mocking independence activist Yu Gwan-sun using OpenAI Sora, surpassing 200,000 cumulative views (as of Feb. 26, 2026)
• Video content: scenes of flatulence, expressions of affection toward the Japanese imperial flag, and 'Yu Gwan-sun Fart Rocket'
• Under current law, defamation of the deceased only applies to 'stating false facts' → does not cover ridicule or mockery
• Insult law only applies to living persons → cannot be applied to the deceased
• TikTok removed the videos for violating its community guidelines
• Experts emphasize the need to strengthen the AI Basic Act and deepfake special law

Facts: What Happened

On February 22, 2026, a TikTok user posted the first AI-generated video featuring independence activist Yu Gwan-sun (1902–1920). By February 26, a total of 3 videos had been uploaded, surpassing 200,000 cumulative views.

The videos were created using OpenAI's video generation AI Sora. The original image was an AI-restored version of a prison uniform photo taken while the activist was detained at Seodaemun Prison. The fact that her face — swollen from Japanese imperial torture — was recreated via AI and then used for mockery has intensified the public outcry.

The specific content of the videos is as follows:

1. Part 1 — A scene depicting the activist passing gas
2. Part 2 — A setup in which she expresses affection toward the Japanese imperial flag
3. Part 3 — A scene in which her upper body shoots into space in rocket form, captioned 'Yu Gwan-sun Fart Rocket'

Yu Gwan-sun was arrested after participating in the March 1st Movement of 1919, subjected to brutal torture, and died in prison at the age of 17. The public erupted in anger at the blatant mockery of a figure considered a symbol of Korea's martyrdom.

Spread Mechanism: Why These Videos Went Viral

Algorithm and View Economy

TikTok's recommendation algorithm gives high initial exposure to shocking and provocative content. 'Yu Gwan-sun Fart Rocket' rapidly spread through algorithmic recommendations as it combined taboo violation against a historical figure, visual shock, and seasonal interest around the March 1st holiday.

Democratization of AI Technology

With OpenAI Sora released to the public in late 2025, anyone can generate high-quality videos within minutes without specialized technical skills. The barrier to entry has virtually disappeared.

'Historical Content' Boom Around March 1st

Every year around March 1st, AI-restored videos of independence activists go viral. This incident reveals the dark side of that 'positive trend.'

Stakeholders: Who Is Involved

Context & Background: Legal Blind Spots

Analysis of Current Law

① Defamation of the Deceased (Criminal Code Article 308)

This provision punishes those who damage the honor of a deceased person, but only applies when 'false facts are stated.' Since these videos did not describe false facts but were simply mockery and ridicule, the provision is difficult to apply.

② Insult Law (Criminal Code Article 311)

The insult law only applies to living persons. Acts of insult against the deceased activist fall outside the scope of current law.

③ AI Basic Act (Enacted January 2025)

Korea's first AI regulation law, the AI Basic Act, was enacted in January 2025, but contains no specific penalty provisions for desecrating the deceased or distorting history.

④ Deepfake Punishment Law (Amendment to Sexual Violence Punishment Act)

Non-consensual sexual deepfakes can be punished, but there is no legal basis to punish non-sexual deepfakes that desecrate the deceased.

International Comparison

• United States: The 2025 Take It Down Act mandates platform removal of non-consensual sexual deepfakes. No specific law for desecrating the deceased.
• Korea's Public Official Election Act: Deepfake electioneering banned starting 90 days before the election (March 5, 2026). Not applicable to mockery of historical figures.

Outlook: How Long Will This Last?

This incident is likely to remain a short-term issue (1–3 days), but its institutional ripple effects may last longer.

• Media coverage concentrated before March 1st (March 1) → rapid decline expected after the peak
• However, AI and deepfake regulation discussions are expected to expand ahead of the June 3 local elections
• The National Assembly already has ongoing discussions on strengthening the AI Basic Act, and this incident may serve as a legislative catalyst

Checklist: What to Watch

References

• Yonhap News: Controversy over AI videos 'insulting independence activist Yu Gwan-sun' ahead of March 1st
• Asia Economy: Even independence activists caricatured by generative AI
• News1: TikTok deletes 'Yu Gwan-sun mockery' AI videos — How effective are AI watermarks?
• LawTalk News: Yu Gwan-sun mockery AI videos — current law is a 'blind spot'... What are the alternatives?
• Chosun Ilbo: 'Anger boils over' at AI mockery of Yu Gwan-sun ahead of March 1st
• Korea JoongAng Daily: AI videos demeaning freedom fighter cast tech's dark shadow

Image Source

• Photo of Yu Gwan-sun (1902–1920): Wikimedia Commons — Public Domain (copyright expired)