Shock: "Messi and Ronaldo mock Hong Myung-bo in Korean, saying 'You can't play unless you're ancient'" — AI video ridiculing Hong reaches serious level; could go to court

*This content was translated by AI.

Controversy is mounting as an artificial intelligence (AI)-synthesized video mocking Hong Myung-bo, 57, former head coach of the South Korean national football team, spreads widely.

Recently, AI videos featuring famous international footballers have been repeatedly posted on social media platforms such as YouTube, satirizing former coach Hong's lack of tactical acumen and his tendency to select players based on alumni connections.

In one video, Jens Castrof, a player for the South Korean national team, rises from the bench and strikes former coach Hong on the back of the head. In another, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo appear on a South Korean variety show, speaking in Korean with lines such as "You can't play unless you're ancient," mocking Coach Hong. Some videos have surpassed 10 million views and gained significant popularity.

Public reactions are divided. While some express satisfaction, saying it "represents the people's feelings," others criticize it as "violent depiction crossing the line and excessive personal attacks." The YouTuber who produced the related videos told NEWSIS, "This is not blind condemnation of an individual but social satire targeting corruption within the Football Association and an unfair system."

Legal experts pointed out that penalties may be possible depending on the severity of the video. Lawyers Kwak Jun-ho (Cheong Law Firm) and Yang Tae-jeong (Gwangya Law Firm) told NEWSIS that defamation or insult charges could apply depending on the content and depth of AI synthesis in the videos.

However, they noted that because Hong is a public figure and the video may involve freedom of expression for social satire, individual case-by-case judgment is necessary.

Ethical responsibility regarding the misuse of AI technology has also come under scrutiny. Jeon Chang-bae of the International Association of Artificial Intelligence Ethics told NEWSIS, "AI content has significant reach and can cause unexpected harm." He emphasized that "beyond the creator's sense of responsibility, it is essential to clearly label deepfake videos with watermarks."

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*This content was translated by AI.