Seoul, May 24: South Korean President Lee Jae-myung has called for a public discussion on strict actions against individuals posting online hate and abusive content.
In a post on the social media platform ‘X’, Lee shared a report detailing provocative and disrespectful actions by youths linked to a far-right online forum during a memorial event for former liberal President Roh Moo-hyun. This event marked the anniversary of his death, and the actions took place near his memorial site.
Lee emphasized the differing opinions on whether statements that incite division and conflict in society, as seen in the online community known as ‘Ilbe’, should be protected under freedom of expression or subjected to restrictions and penalties.
The ‘Ilbe Storehouse’ is notorious in South Korea for its extreme right-wing views, promoting hatred against women and minorities, as well as using racist language.
Lee stated that stricter conditions are necessary for such cases, suggesting that punitive measures or damages could be applicable for abusive or hate-filled content.
According to reports from Yonhap News Agency, there is also ongoing debate about whether such online forums should be shut down.
He asked the public for their opinions, stating, “What do you think? I will raise this issue in the Cabinet meeting.” This comment followed his criticism of Starbucks Korea’s promotional campaign for 2024, which some perceived as linked to the 2014 Sewol ferry disaster.
Starbucks Korea launched the ‘Siren Classic Mug Collection’ on April 16, 2024, the anniversary of the Sewol ferry sinking, which resulted in the deaths of over 300 people, most of whom were school students.
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