South Korean Police Ordered to Combat Online Hate Speech NOW

URGENT UPDATE: South Korean President Lee Jae-myung has just announced a major crackdown on online hate speech, directing police to take immediate action against harmful rhetoric on social media. This decision comes as the nation grapples with rising anti-foreigner sentiment, particularly targeting Chinese nationals, amidst large-scale protests leading up to the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Busan last month.

The recent wave of demonstrations has intensified concerns over demographic shifts in a country historically known for its homogeneity. With the number of foreign nationals in South Korea surging to a record 2.58 million last year—around 5 percent of the population—authorities recognize the urgent need to address this escalating issue.

During a Cabinet meeting on October 17, 2023, President Lee condemned the “rampant” spread of hate speech and disinformation, stating, “Acts such as distorting or manipulating facts, spreading racial hatred or discrimination threaten democracy.” He emphasized that these behaviors must be treated as crimes, crossing the line of acceptable freedom of expression.

Lee’s directive includes holding all senior officials accountable for hate speech, including the head of the National Human Rights Commission, Ahn Chang-ho, who has faced backlash for his previous anti-LGBTQ+ remarks. He also approved a proposal to allow for the immediate dismissal of civil servants involved in hate speech, underscoring the urgency of this matter.

In a related statement, Dai Bing, the Chinese ambassador to South Korea, expressed concern over the growing disinformation campaigns against China, stating, “Far-right forces in Korea are spreading disinformation about China and organizing anti-China protests.” He warned that these actions not only harm bilateral relations but also tarnish Korea’s national image.

As part of ongoing reforms, President Lee also voiced support for Justice Minister Jung Sung-ho‘s call for parliamentary debate on comprehensive anti-discrimination legislation, similar to laws in Japan and Europe. Currently, South Korea and Japan are the only members of the OECD without such laws in place.

Looking ahead, the government is preparing to address the broader implications of hate speech and discrimination in society. Activists and officials alike are advocating for a more inclusive approach as the nation navigates these sensitive issues.

With tensions high and public sentiment shifting, the South Korean government’s actions to combat hate speech will have significant implications for social cohesion and international relations in the coming weeks. As this situation develops, citizens and observers will be watching closely to see how these policies are implemented and their impact on societal attitudes.

Stay tuned for the latest updates on this urgent issue as it unfolds.