Hong Kong Anti-Drug Ad Backfires Hilariously

Hong Kong's prison department has removed an AI-generated anti-drug campaign video after it was met with widespread mockery. The clip, titled 'Obsession: The Sugar Coated Trap,' controversially featured four individuals styled as 'K-pop stars' who seemingly praised illegal drugs.

These characters, named Weedy, Icy, Coke, and Little E, spoke about the supposed benefits of various substances, such as forgetting troubles with 'romantic smoke' or experiencing out-of-body sensations. The video then abruptly shifted to show the women as old men behind bars, accompanied by a stark warning about the dangers of drug use.

However, the campaign failed in its objective, drawing laughter and criticism from Hong Kong residents. Many viewers found the ad counterproductive, with one YouTube comment humorously suggesting it made them want to try the drugs. The prison service acknowledged the video's failure and stated its aim was to present drugs as a 'sugar-coated form' of poison.

This incident follows other recent blunders in Hong Kong's anti-drug messaging. In 2021, the slogan 'you only live once' was used, which was ironically perceived as encouraging recklessness. More recently, an advert in a Kowloon station appeared to read 'take drugs' from a specific angle. The prison department has pledged to re-evaluate its entire content production process to ensure future educational messages are clear and accurate.