President Lee calls for practical sanctions against hate speech

South Korean President Lee Jae-myung has called for substantial sanctions against hate speech, particularly when it targets specific regions or mocks victims of tragic events. Speaking at a National Security Council meeting, Lee stressed that the government must address such expressions of animosity with practical measures, moving beyond conventional approaches to interpersonal disputes.

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Within the scope of not infringing on freedom of expression, there must be practical sanctions against disparaging specific regions or mocking victims of specific incidents.

"Within the scope of not infringing on freedom of expression, there must be practical sanctions against disparaging specific regions or mocking victims of specific incidents," President Lee stated. His remarks appear to be a response to recent incidents, including a forum held by a ruling party lawmaker that allegedly downplayed the significance of the May 18 Gwangju Democratization Movement.

President Lee expressed strong agreement with his ministers' observations that hate speech, especially when amplified by public figures like politicians, contributes to a worsening climate of social hostility. He urged for measures to mitigate this trend, emphasizing the need for a more robust societal approach to combating prejudice and discrimination.

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We must alleviate the strengthening of hostile culture in society.

To this end, the president directed relevant ministries to conduct a thorough review of overseas legal precedents, including existing laws, penalties, and court rulings. He instructed them to develop and report back on a phased plan that incorporates both preventive strategies and criminal prosecution measures. This directive underscores the administration's commitment to creating a more respectful and inclusive public sphere.

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You should meticulously review overseas legislative examples, punishment precedents, target precedents, and court precedents.