South Korea Cracks Down on Hate Speech: Police Ordered to Act

UPDATE: South Korean President Lee Jae-myung has just ordered police to intensify efforts against hate speech online, declaring that such actions “cross the boundary of freedom of expression.” This urgent move comes amid a troubling rise in anti-foreigner sentiments, particularly targeting Chinese nationals, as the nation prepares for the upcoming Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Busan.

The president’s directive, announced during a Cabinet meeting on October 24, 2023, highlights the critical need for law enforcement to address the rampant spread of hate speech and misinformation on social media platforms. Lee emphasized that acts such as spreading racial hatred threaten democracy and the daily lives of citizens.

“Distorting facts and promoting racial discrimination must be regarded as crimes,” Lee stated, underscoring the urgency of the situation. His administration’s response comes as the number of foreign nationals residing in South Korea surged to a record 2.58 million last year, accounting for approximately 5 percent of the population.

Reflecting on the tense atmosphere, Dai Bing, the Chinese ambassador to South Korea, condemned the far-right forces spreading disinformation and inciting anti-China protests at a forum in Seoul. He stated, “These actions not only damage the friendship between our two countries but also tarnish Korea’s national image.”

As the situation escalates, President Lee has also approved a proposal from Personnel Management Minister Choi Dong-suk to facilitate the immediate dismissal of civil servants involved in hate speech. “This rule should be adopted as soon as possible,” he asserted.

During the meeting, Gender Equality Minister Won Min-kyung raised concerns about holding senior officials accountable for hate speech. Lee responded affirmatively, stating that all public officials would face the same standards regarding such conduct.

In a broader context, South Korea and Japan remain the only OECD countries lacking comprehensive anti-discrimination laws. Lee expressed support for Justice Minister Jung Sung-ho’s push for parliamentary debate on new legislation, aimed at aligning South Korea with similar laws in Japan and Europe.

In addition, Lee called for the abolition of a clause in the nation’s criminal defamation law that enables punishment for factual statements, advocating for resolution in civil courts instead. This move underscores a significant shift toward enhancing civil liberties in a historically homogenous society.

As these developments unfold, the international community is watching closely. The urgency for action against hate speech in South Korea reflects a growing recognition of the need for inclusivity and respect within a rapidly diversifying population.

Stay tuned for more updates as this situation continues to develop. The response from South Korean society and international observers alike will shape the future of discourse and policy on hate speech in the region.