Police have arrested a man accused of posting an AI‑generated photo of a runaway wolf that misled authorities during a nine‑day search in the city of Daejeon.
Investigators said the suspect, a man in his 40s, admitted he created the image “for fun.” The photo, which appeared to show the wolf trotting through a busy intersection, was widely shared online and even used in official briefings. Authorities said the false sighting prompted emergency alerts and diverted search teams, wasting critical resources.
The wolf, named Neukgu, escaped from the O‑World zoo on April 8 after digging under a fence. More than 250 personnel, including police, firefighters, and military units, were deployed in the search, which used drones and thermal cameras. The animal was eventually captured near an expressway nine days later and returned safely to the zoo.
Police said the suspect faces charges of obstruction of official duties by deception, which carries a penalty of up to five years in prison or a fine of 10 million won (6,700 Dollar).
The case has sparked debate over the misuse of generative AI, with officials warning that false images can trigger public fear and undermine emergency response. President Lee Jae Myung had publicly expressed hope for the wolf’s safe return, underscoring the national attention the incident drew.
Local businesses even capitalized on the frenzy, with bakeries selling wolf‑themed pastries. Daejeon officials are considering naming Neukgu an official mascot.
