Seoul Intensifies Fight Against Fake News Ahead of Local Polls

The South Korean government has launched an all-out effort to combat the spread of malicious fake news and disinformation ahead of the upcoming 9th National Simultaneous Local Elections scheduled for June 3. The move aims to protect the integrity of the electoral process and ensure citizens can make informed decisions.

On May 8, the Ministry of Interior and Safety (MOIS), which oversees local administration and elections, convened an inter-ministerial council at the Government Seoul Complex. Chaired by MOIS Minister Yoon Ho-joong, the council, comprising high-ranking officials from various ministries, discussed comprehensive strategies to tackle false information. This initiative builds on previous meetings held in February and April, with plans for the council to meet weekly until the election day to ensure sustained vigilance.

Multi-Agency Enforcement and Prevention

The government’s strategy involves a wide array of measures across different agencies. The Korea Communications Commission (KCC) is operating a public-private joint self-regulation council until the election, focusing on swiftly deleting and blocking access to fake news on online platforms and social media. It also actively encourages platform operators to participate in these blocking efforts. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Interior and Safety began an intensified crackdown on illegal campaign materials on May 4, 30 days before the election, aligning with new guidelines implemented on April 15. More than 30,000 illegal banners were removed by March, and special joint inspection teams will strictly punish civil servants involved in spreading fake news or election interference, regardless of intent.

Furthermore, investigative bodies are taking a firm stance. The Prosecution and Police have designated fake news, smear campaigns (often called ‘black propaganda’ in Korea), bribery, and civil servant election interference as priority election crimes. They have pledged thorough investigations and will apply a zero-tolerance policy, especially against organized and repeated disseminators of fake news, ensuring severe penalties.

Beyond enforcement, significant efforts are being made in prevention and education. The Ministry of Education is enhancing digital media literacy education to equip citizens, particularly youth, against manipulated information. In collaboration with the independent National Election Commission (NEC), it is providing “New Voter Education” to 400,000 high school students, covering election procedures and related laws. The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism is also leveraging government media channels (like KTV) and social media to provide accurate policy information and disseminate public awareness messages against fake news.

Minister Yoon Ho-joong emphasized the severity of the issue, stating, “Fake and manipulated news not only obstructs citizens’ free exercise of suffrage but also undermines trust in elections, fuels social conflict, and severely damages the foundation of democracy.” He affirmed the government’s commitment to strictly pursuing and responding to organized and malicious fake news to ensure the upcoming local elections are conducted fairly and cleanly through continued inter-agency cooperation.

Source: 행정안전부 보도자료 — Original Article (Korean)