KakaoTalk Pop, 'We Did Everything for You'... When AI Jokes and Criticizes on Our Behalf, Who Is Responsible?

[Financial News] As AI-generated songs satirizing the large-scale KakaoTalk update rapidly spread online, debates over defamation and freedom of expression have reignited. Experts believe that whether the subject is a public figure will be a key factor in determining legal responsibility. Some also argue that satire and humor should be regarded as modes of social expression, regardless of AI involvement.
According to industry sources on the 26th, the AI satirical song known as 'KakaoTalk Pop' uses AI music generator Suno and video synthesis tool Sora, allowing anyone to create lyrics, vocals, and videos simply by entering commands. This environment, which requires no specialized skills, has made AI a tool that lowers the barrier to satire.
Released earlier this month, 'Kakao Is Now Poor' criticizes the new user interface and introduction of ads, surpassing 1.4 million views in just two weeks.
The trend began in the gaming community. Last year, 'We Did Everything for You,' which emerged amid controversy over MapleStory’s management, garnered over 13 million views on YouTube and sparked significant reactions.
Changseop Kim, Director of MapleStory, responded to the song by saying, 'If it is taken as lighthearted fun rather than mockery, I would sing it myself.' This acceptance shifted public opinion positively. Subsequently, similar satirical songs appeared in games like Lost Ark, fostering a culture where users’ self-deprecating humor and satire coexist.
KakaoTalk Pop also originated from user dissatisfaction with the recent updates and ad introduction. The representative song, 'Kakao Is Now Poor,' parodies a 2012 announcement, 'The Kakao Team is not that poor,' and features direct lyrics such as, 'How dare you send KakaoTalk for free, making us accidentally send greetings.' Its direct criticism of the nation’s most popular messenger amplified its impact.
Particularly, when Mintaek Hong, Chief Product Officer, requested YouTube to remove videos citing defamation, a 'censorship controversy' erupted. As some videos were made private, backup copies spread even more widely, drawing further attention.
An office worker, Mr. Choi (31), commented, 'The lyrics spoke for the discomfort I felt, so I could relate.' He added, 'It was impressive how the song expressed complaints that are hard to voice out loud.'

As AI satire targets real individuals and companies, what was once consumed as humor is now becoming a legal and institutional issue. In fact, during last year’s National Assembly audit, 'We Did Everything for You' was cited as an example of AI work infringing the Right of Publicity, sparking debate over the boundary between freedom of expression and rights protection.
With more cases like KakaoTalk Pop mentioning real people’s positions or company names in lyrics, the line between satire and slander has become increasingly blurred. Attempts to realistically render faces and voices using Deepfake technology have also raised concerns that 'satire' could be interpreted as 'defamation.'
Kim Gyeong-Hwan, an attorney at Law Firm Minwho, explained, 'AI is merely a tool; legal responsibility for the result lies with the creator.' He added, 'Using AI does not exempt one from liability, and existing laws on portrait rights, defamation, insult, and copyright infringement still apply.' He further noted, 'Satire for the public good may be protected as free expression, but if personal attacks or commercial use are involved, criminal or civil liability may follow. The key issue will be balancing freedom of expression and protection of rights.'
Academia has focused on human attitudes and ethical sensitivity rather than technology. Hyung-Nam Moon, a professor at Sookmyung Women's University, stated, 'AI is a tool that expands human creativity, but ethical sensitivity must accompany it.' He added, 'Rather than blocking all satirical content, each case should be judged in context.'
Some view AI satire as a 'mirror of the times,' arguing that its social function should be maintained. Heo Chang Deok, a sociology professor at Yeungnam University, analyzed, 'Satire and humor thrive when society is tense,' and added, 'AI has only changed the form; it has become a channel for expressing human emotions and desires.' He also pointed out, 'Realistically recreating actual people can blur the line between reality and fiction. Ultimately, it is not technology but human attitude that determines the outcome.'
425_sama@fnnews.com Choi Seung-han Reporter