CSD vows improvement after video backlash

The Correctional Services Department said there is room for improvement after its anti-drug promotional video came under fire. The AI-generated video, which featured virtual K-pop idols, was uploaded onto the department’s Facebook page on Friday. But it drew criticism from netizens, who said it seemed to be promoting the use of drugs rather than warning against it. The video was taken down a day later and replaced with a revised version, which too was pulled later in the same day. Speaking to reporters after attending an event on Sunday, senior superintendent Ng Kee-hang said the department would learn from the incident, acknowledging shortcomings. “During the creative process, we hoped to promote an anti-drug message through a format that is popular among youngsters," he said. "But through this experience, we will go back and reflect carefully. In the future, when we produce short videos again, we will consider things more thoroughly and hope to achieve a better result." Ng added that the video was made by the department’s own in-house production team and did not involve any additional public funds. Edited by Edmond Fong