South Korea Cracks Down on Online Hate Speech, President Says

UPDATE: South Korean President Lee Jae-myung has just announced an urgent crackdown on online hate speech, directing police to take immediate action against what he calls a threat to democracy. During a Cabinet meeting on October 24, 2023, Lee emphasized that online hate speech, particularly aimed at specific groups, “crosses the boundary of freedom of expression.”

WHY THIS MATTERS: Lee’s remarks follow a troubling rise in anti-foreigner sentiment in South Korea, where the number of foreign nationals living in the country surged to a record 2.58 million last year, constituting approximately 5% of the population. The recent protests against foreigners, especially targeting Chinese nationals, have intensified ahead of the upcoming Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Busan.

According to Lee, “Acts such as distorting facts and spreading racial hatred threaten our citizens’ daily lives.” He described the spread of disinformation on social media as “rampant” and declared it must be treated as a crime.

NEW MEASURES ANNOUNCED: In a significant move, Lee approved a proposal that allows for the immediate dismissal of civil servants found guilty of engaging in hate speech. This rule is expected to be adopted swiftly, signaling the government’s commitment to addressing this issue head-on.

During the meeting, Gender Equality Minister Won Min-kyung raised questions about whether senior officials, including the head of the National Human Rights Commission, could be penalized for hate speech. Lee confirmed that all public officials would be held to the same standards, addressing concerns surrounding Ahn Chang-ho, the current chair, who has faced backlash for his anti-LGBTQ+ comments.

INTERNATIONAL REACTIONS: The atmosphere has raised alarms beyond South Korea. Dai Bing, the Chinese ambassador to South Korea, criticized far-right groups for spreading disinformation and organizing anti-China protests. He stated that such actions not only damage bilateral relations but also harm Korea’s international reputation.

LOOKING AHEAD: As South Korea stands alongside Japan as one of the few OECD countries without a comprehensive anti-discrimination law, Lee also expressed support for Justice Minister Jung Sung-ho’s push for parliamentary debate on such legislation. This law is expected to mirror similar frameworks in Europe and Japan, showcasing a broader commitment to inclusivity in the nation.

With these developments unfolding, all eyes are on South Korea’s efforts to balance freedom of expression with the need for social cohesion. As the nation grapples with increasing demographic diversity, the implications of this crackdown on hate speech will resonate throughout society and beyond.

Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops.