Hong Kong Pulls AI K-Pop Anti-Drug Video After Accusations of Resembling Promotion

Hong Kong's prison service has pulled an anti-drug campaign video featuring AI-generated K-pop idols after viewers criticized it for appearing to promote illegal substances. The video, titled "Obsession: The Sugar-Coated Trap," was uploaded by the Correctional Services Department to its social media platforms. It featured four virtual K-pop stars named Weedy, Icy, Coke, and Little E, who represented cannabis, ice, cocaine, and etomidate, respectively. These characters sang and danced, describing the effects of the drugs in ways that many found suggestive of promotion.

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Give me a snort

One character, Icy, was heard saying, "Give me a snort," while Weedy encouraged viewers with, "With a romantic puff of smoke, only one stick will help you forget all worries so chill!" The video's intended message was to warn about the dangers of drug abuse, with the idols eventually transforming into elderly men imprisoned. However, the execution backfired significantly, with social media users commenting that the introductions made them want to try drugs and that the video felt more like an advertisement.

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With a romantic puff of smoke, only one stick will help you forget all worries so chill!

The department removed and revised the video twice due to the public outcry. Even a revised version, which showed the band members turning into ugly old men behind bars, was also taken down. The department issued a statement apologizing for the video's production and delivery, thanking internet users for their feedback. They pledged to evaluate their entire process for creating social media promotional content to ensure future messages are clear and accurate. The department noted the video was produced in-house using AI, incurring no additional public funds.

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After listening to their introductions, I want to try (taking drugs).