Hong Kong Prison Pulls Anti-Drug Video Twice Over Pro-Drug Message

Hong Kong's prison service has twice removed an anti drug video featuring a virtual K pop girl group from its social media platforms. Internet users suggested the artificial intelligence generated content resembled a promotional campaign for illegal substances, rather than an effort to discourage their use. The Correctional Services Department initiated the withdrawals.

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According to the SCMP, the Correctional Services Department uploaded the video, titled "Obsession: The Sugar Coated Trap," to its social media channels. It showcased four artificial intelligence generated virtual K pop idols, elegantly dressed, singing and dancing. One character, identified as "Cannabis," delivered a line suggesting, "With a romantic puff of smoke [from grass], only one stick will help you forget all worries. Very chilled."

But another character, named "Ice," conveyed that trying her would "guarantee you feel so good your soul leaves your body." This content led to public criticism, prompting the department to quickly withdraw the original video and issue a revised version. Social media users largely agreed the initial portrayal appeared to promote drug use.

The re edited video then depicted the four band members undergoing a transformation, becoming elderly men. These figures were subsequently shown incarcerated behind prison bars. This revised version concluded with a definitive slogan: "Drugs are extremely harmful and can ruin a life." However, this updated content was also removed from the department's Facebook page shortly after its release.

Following the second removal, the department released a public statement. It acknowledged and thanked internet users for their feedback. Furthermore, it offered an apology for the video's production and its eventual dissemination.

And the administrator of the department's Facebook page outlined future organisational commitments. They stated a forthcoming "evaluation of our entire process for producing promotional content for social media." This review aims to ensure clarity and accuracy in messages concerning crime prevention and education. The department also committed to balancing creative approaches with public acceptance.

A spokesman for the department clarified that artificial intelligence was employed in the video's creation. He explained the intention was to employ a format popular with younger audiences, thereby illustrating that drug use is a "poison packaged in a sugar coated form" and cautioning against its allure.

The spokesman added that the Correctional Services Department regarded "netizens' opinions on the way the anti drug video was presented very seriously." He confirmed that the video was "immediately re edited to explain the harm of drugs as much as possible to avoid misunderstandings."

So, the entire film project was managed internally by staff dedicated to multimedia production and social media engagement. This in house operation meant no supplementary public funds were allocated to its development. The department plans to continue scrutinising and enhancing its public relations strategies across all social media platforms.

The department's responsiveness generated favourable online commentary from Hong Kong residents. Some commended the swift action, while others posited that the controversy itself successfully drew attention to the anti drug message. A social media user, operating under the name "Noopy Sugar," specifically applauded the administration for acknowledging the mistake. This user suggested such governmental transparency is well received by citizens.

This incident echoes an earlier advertising misstep in March involving the Security Bureau. That organisation apologised for an error within an anti drug campaign where a banner at Tsim Sha Tsui MTR station, when viewed from certain perspectives, seemed to endorse the use of illicit substances.

But this particular banner was part of a broader government initiative against drug use. It prominently featured Aaron Kwok Fu shing, a renowned Cantopop personality. The accompanying Chinese slogan read, "Let's stand firm together and not take drugs." A photograph circulated widely online demonstrated that parts of the slogan became obscured depending on the viewing angle, leading to the altered phrase: "Stand firm together and take drugs."

• The Correctional Services Department twice withdrew an artificial intelligence generated K pop video intended to deter drug use.

• Public feedback indicated the video, "Obsession: The Sugar Coated Trap," appeared to promote illegal substances.

• The department apologised for the content's production and delivery, vowing to re evaluate future social media strategies.

• This incident mirrors a past advertising misstep by the Security Bureau regarding an anti drug campaign banner.

Source: SCMP