Controversy Erupts as Call of Duty Uses Real Itaewon Crush Footage in Korean Invasion Campaign

Key points

• Bereaved families and civic groups in South Korea demand Activision remove seconds-long clips of the 2022 Itaewon crowd crush from Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4, which uses the footage to depict civilian casualties during a fictional North Korean invasion.
• The game, released this week, features a campaign where South Korean and US forces fight a North Korean invasion, topping Steam sales charts in South Korea despite controversy.
• Activision stated the news footage was used to convey a fictional story and expressed no intention to trivialize the Itaewon tragedy, but Korean broadcasters have compared the game clips side-by-side with original disaster footage.
• The release coincides with the fourth anniversary of the 2022 crush, which killed 158 people, and heightened real-world tensions, including recent mine blasts in the DMZ that injured three South Korean soldiers.
• Critics, including the Kim Dae Jung Peace Center, question the appropriateness of turning the Korean War and current antagonism into entertainment, while others praise the game's new extraction shooter mode, DMZ, for its engaging gameplay.

Background

This controversy unfolds against a backdrop of escalating tensions on the Korean peninsula, including North Korea's recent border fortifications and threats to resume propaganda loudspeakers following a September mine blast that injured South Korean soldiers. The game's release also coincides with South Korea's withdrawal of diplomatic staff from Ukraine over a prisoner dispute, highlighting broader geopolitical frictions. Previous coverage noted rising inflation fears and tech stock volatility in South Korea, but the current focus is on the cultural and political impact of the video game.

How outlets are covering it

The Guardian and Korean civic groups emphasize the ethical breach of using real tragedy footage, highlighting the trauma of survivors and the demand for removal. Japan Today notes the game's commercial success and mixed gamer reactions, with some players finding it emotionally resonant while others criticize the trivialization of conflict. PCMag focuses on the game's innovative DMZ mode, praising its gameplay but expressing concern that its ubiquity may overshadow other extraction shooters like Marathon. Responsible Statecraft offers a critical geopolitical analysis, arguing the game promotes a US-centric military fantasy that justifies interventionism and ignores the complexities of US foreign policy, contrasting with the game's commercial appeal and innovative mechanics.

Why it matters

The incident highlights the ethical boundaries of using real-world tragedy in entertainment, particularly in a region with unresolved historical conflicts. It underscores the tension between commercial success and cultural sensitivity, as well as the role of media in shaping perceptions of geopolitical threats. The controversy may influence future regulatory or industry standards regarding the use of real footage in games, especially in contexts involving recent national tragedies.

What to watch

Activision is expected to respond to the demands for removal or replacement of the footage, potentially issuing an apology or making changes to the game. The Korean Game Users Association is calling for an apology, and the situation may lead to broader discussions about the ethics of using real disaster footage in entertainment. The game's sales performance and player reception will be monitored, as will any potential regulatory actions or public backlash in South Korea.