Ruling party's 'mouth-gag law' threatens democracy, opposition warns

South Korea's main opposition party has strongly condemned a proposed amendment to the Telecommunications Network Act, which they have controversially labeled the 'mouth-gag law.' The party argues that the legislation, aimed at eradicating false and manipulated information, poses a significant threat to democratic principles by potentially enabling government control over online discourse.

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A country that forces silence is not a democratic country.

In a statement, the party's floor leader asserted that freedom of expression is the cornerstone of democracy and a fundamental right protected by the constitution. He expressed concern that the law's ambiguous standards and broad regulatory scope could intimidate citizens into self-censorship, thereby shrinking the public square for free debate.

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Freedom of expression is the starting point of democracy and the basic right most robustly guaranteed by the constitution.

The opposition party accused the ruling party of abusing its legislative majority, bypassing checks and balances, and engaging in legislative overreach. They warned that a society where criticism of power can be suppressed under the guise of combating misinformation, and where citizens' concerns are subject to regulation, cannot foster free discussion or healthy democracy.

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This law, under the guise of eradicating false and manipulated information, can shake the foundation of democracy the moment the state sets the boundaries of expression and attempts to control speech in online spaces.

Looking ahead, the party urged the government to ensure the law's enforcement is objective and transparent, preventing it from becoming a tool to silence voices critical of those in power. They issued a stern warning: if the 'mouth-gag law' is perverted into a means of shielding those in authority from accountability, the political repercussions from the public will be severe.

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The Democratic Party has repeatedly pushed for legislation, undermining the checks and balances of the National Assembly with its overwhelming majority.