Should 'deepfakes' be used in visual content?
Digitally manipulated video in K-drama sex scenes sparks controversy
Korea's broadcasting industry is increasingly embracing "deepfake" technology — an application of machine learning that seamlessly merges synthetic images and audio to create hyperrealistic media. However, as these digital manipulations push the limits of what has previously been possible on the small screen, they have also ignited a firestorm of controversy.
The latest flash point in this debate centers on the use of body doubles for nude scenes. While that practice has a long history, newer technology allows lead actors' faces to be digitally superimposed on body doubles — an approach that has sparked mounting criticism.
Case in point is "The Queen Who Crowns," a period romance series chronicling the tumultuous marriage of Queen Wongyeong (Cha Joo-young) and Yi Bang-won (Lee Hyun-wook) during the Goryeo Kingdom. The drama series airs with a 15+ rating on cable network tvN, while a racier, 19+ version streams on Tving.
Public outcry erupted when viewers expressed unease over deepfake technology — recently associated with illicit uses such as fabricated celebrity sex videos — being utilized to create sex scenes between Cha and co-star Lee E-dam, with their faces superimposed onto body doubles. The scenes streamed via Tving.
The controversy escalated after reports surfaced in local media alleging the actors involved in the sex scenes had reportedly been unaware of the intended creation of the scenes and were only informed just before filming. It was also reported that agencies representing Cha and Lee had requested the removal of the contentious scenes prior to broadcast, only to have their appeals rebuffed by the production team.
Studio Dragon, the production company behind "The Queen Who Crowns," acknowledged the use of deepfake technology in the scenes, but insisted that all necessary agreements had been secured in advance.
"From the outset, it was clearly communicated that the Tving version would carry a 'restricted to teenagers' rating, and casting decisions were made accordingly. Additionally, it was disclosed from the beginning that the series would include nude scenes," said an official from Studio Dragon.
"The level of nudity was determined on a case-by-case basis for each actor, taking into account their character's narrative arc. Throughout the production process, there was ongoing dialogue with both the agencies and the actors at every stage," the official added.
"Scenes requiring computer graphics enhancements are shot differently from the outset — often utilizing chroma key or green screen techniques," he explained. "These technical elements were fully integrated into the on-set workflow and actors were completely aware of them."
"The Queen Who Crowns" is not the first Korean drama series to employ such digital manipulation. As the industry increasingly turns to artificial intelligence-driven enhancements to simplify complex or logistically challenging shoots, questions are emerging about the ethical implications of using the tech.
In Netflix's "A Killer Paradox," a combination of deepfake and de-aging technology was employed to re-create a younger version of protagonist Nan-gam (Son Suk-ku), using archival images of the actor to digitally map his younger likeness onto a child performer.
Similarly, the opening episode of JTBC's "Welcome to Samdal-ri" featured a digitally de-aged re-creation of the late TV icon Song Hae, seamlessly inserting him into a fictionalized 1994 episode of "National Singing Contest – Jeju Edition."
The integration of deepfake technology has also extended into variety shows. A teaser for the fifth season of "SNL Korea," released via Coupang Play's YouTube channel in February 2024, utilized computer generated imagery-driven facial mapping to transform cast members Shin Dong-yup, Ahn Young-mi and others into fictional characters from the platform's hit series "Boyhood," further blurring the lines between digital illusion and reality.
Industry experts suggest that the deployment of deepfake technology in entertainment is unlikely to wane anytime soon.
"While ethical considerations must be taken into account, from a technical standpoint, its continued adoption seems inevitable," said Lee Sung-min, an associate professor in the department of media arts and science at Korea National Open University.
Lee drew comparisons to past filmmaking techniques, arguing that the use of body doubles itself is nothing new — deepfake technology merely represents an evolution of the practice.
"From the production team's perspective, they likely view this as a natural extension of traditional methods used to depict nudity and other sensitive content," he noted.
When asked about the long-term viability of deepfake technology in television and film, Lee emphasized the need for clear ethical guardrails.
"Internally, production companies must tread carefully if there are concerns about the technology being exploited for illicit purposes. Given that real-world digital crimes involving deepfakes do exist, caution is warranted," he said.
"However, that doesn't mean the industry will abandon the technology altogether. If its use continues to provoke backlash, producers will likely tread more carefully in the future," he concluded. "Over time, clearer ethical boundaries will emerge."
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