Hong Kong takes down AI anti-drug video after message backfires on netizens

Hong Kong's Correctional Services Department (CSD) has withdrawn an AI-generated anti-drug video after social media users pointed out it did the exact opposite of its intended job.

The video, titled Obsession: The Sugar-Coated Trap, was uploaded on June 26 to mark International Day Against Drug Abuse.

As stated in HKFP, it featured four AI-generated "K-pop idols" named Weedy, Icy, Coke and Little E, each representing the drugs cannabis, crystal meth, cocaine and etomidate (known locally as "space oil").

In the ad, the characters sing and dance through the first half of the clip before a slogan appears warning that "Drugs are extremely harmful and can ruin a life"; quite the plot twist after three minutes of glowing product reviews.

The pitch, unfortunately, landed better than the warning. Weedy tells viewers: "Romantic smoke will help you forget all your troubles. So chill," while Coke declared "Easy-to-drink coke helps you keep your mind sharp. Super dope!".

Little E promised, "Anti-aging vitamin E comes in fruity flavours. One puff and you're in space," and Icy guaranteed users would "feel so good your soul leaves your body". Not exactly deterring.

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The CSD pulled the video within hours and re-edited it to lean harder into the harms of addiction, before removing it again on Saturday, June 27. The re-edited video showed the girls transforming into four older, unhealthy-looking men who end up behind bars along with the previous slogan on drugs potentially ruining lives.

Unsurprisingly, netizens took the bait, just not the intended way.

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Though having been taken down, the video was then reuploaded on YouTube by a random user, with the top comment being: "The most successful drug advertisement ever in Hong Kong." Another confessed, "After watching it, I want to eat a few bites of each."

According to SCMP, a spokesperson of the department confirmed the ad was made in-house at no extra public cost, aiming to show "through a method popular with young people, that drug use is poison packaged in a sugar-coated form, reminding them not to be tempted by it".

CNA reported that the CSD shared a statement via Facebook and apologised after taking down the video.

Amira Waworuntu is Mixmag Asia’s Managing Editor, follow her on Instagram.

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