South Korea's 'fake news' law tests press autonomy

"Among the key changes to the law are the obligatory removal from online sites of comments deemed to be false or defamatory by the Korea Media and Communications Commission, which is also able to impose fines of up to 1 billion won (around 584,000 or $690,000). One of the most controversial additions to the law which South Korea's ruling Democratic Party refers to as the "anti-fake news act" is the right to demand corrections or rebuttals to editorials or opinion pieces."

"Critics argue that the vague definitions used in the law mean it can be used to threaten freedom of expression, weaken the role of the media as watchdog of the government and deepen public distrust of the domestic media. Critics warn of governmentappointed screening panels A statement provided to DW by Soon Taek-kwon, of the Citizens' Coalition for Media Reform, declared, "We express deep regret that the ruling party and the government pushed through legislation with significant constitutional concerns while disregarding criticism and warnings from civil society." The key issue is who defines what constitutes "false and manipulated information," the statement added, with members appointed to the screening commission by the government."

The government passed revisions to the Information and Communications Network Act to extend regulation to online media beyond newspapers and television. The law obliges removal of comments deemed false or defamatory by the Korea Media and Communications Commission and allows fines up to 1 billion won. It grants the right to demand corrections or rebuttals to editorials and opinion pieces, a measure called the "anti-fake news act" by the ruling party. President Lee Jae Myung signed the bill, which takes effect July 2026. Critics warn that vague definitions and government-appointed screening panels risk suppressing free expression, weakening media oversight and enabling financial abuse.

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