**Death Penalty Sought in ChatGPT-Linked Double Murder Case**
South Korean prosecutors have requested the death penalty for Kim So-young, a woman accused of murdering two men with drug-laced beverages. The prosecution's motion was filed during the final hearing of her trial at the Seoul Northern District Court on Tuesday.
Kim is alleged to have poisoned three men between December 2025 and February 2026 by administering drinks spiked with benzodiazepines, a class of drugs often used to treat anxiety and insomnia. While two of the men died from the effects of the drugs, a third survived after spending two days in a coma. In addition to the murder charges, Kim faces accusations of injuring three other men using similar methods.
Key to the prosecution's case is evidence suggesting that Kim consulted the AI chatbot ChatGPT regarding the effects of combining sleeping pills with alcohol. Investigators reportedly found conversations on her phone where she inquired about dangerous dosages and the potential lethality of such mixtures. This evidence is being used to argue that Kim was aware of the risks associated with her actions, which could establish intent to kill.
In her defense, Kim has denied any intention to harm the men, claiming that her motive for drugging them was to prevent unwanted physical contact. However, prosecutors contend that her research into drug interactions indicates a premeditated approach to her actions.
The case has drawn attention not only for its tragic circumstances but also for its connection to the use of AI technology in criminal activity. It is one of several recent incidents where ChatGPT has been linked to violent crimes. Earlier this year, Florida authorities launched a criminal investigation into OpenAI, the creator of ChatGPT, after it was revealed that a perpetrator of a shooting at Florida State University had sought advice on firearms through the chatbot prior to the attack.
In Canada, OpenAI faced lawsuits after it was disclosed that the company had banned the ChatGPT account of a teenager who later committed a mass shooting but did not inform law enforcement. Similarly, in Massachusetts, prosecutors reported that a 17-year-old charged with murdering his mother and younger brother had used ChatGPT to craft violent narratives about his family.
OpenAI has consistently rejected claims that its technology is responsible for violent acts committed by users. The company maintains a zero-tolerance policy against using its tools to facilitate violence and has been working to enhance safety measures, including account enforcement and procedures to report potentially dangerous users to law enforcement.
The implications of AI in criminal cases continue to be a topic of public discourse, raising questions about the responsibilities of technology creators and the potential risks associated with AI usage. As the trial of Kim So-young unfolds, it highlights the intersection of technology and law, particularly in cases involving violent crime.
As the prosecution seeks the ultimate penalty for Kim, the case could set significant legal precedents regarding the use of AI in criminal activities and the accountability of technology developers in such contexts. The outcome of this trial may influence future discussions on the ethical implications of AI and its role in society.