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President Lee Jae Myung has called for stern punishment for individuals who intentionally spread false information, citing ongoing police investigations into online fake news. His remarks, made on his X account and during a meeting with senior aides, address two separate incidents: claims that the government would force citizens to sell U.S. dollars, and misinformation about the 1980 democratization movement in Gwangju.
Coverage Comparison
According to Yonhap News, President Lee expressed his position on Tuesday, referencing a police investigation into online fake news claiming the government would issue an emergency order requiring the sale of dollars to address an economic crisis stemming from the Middle East conflict. The president wrote on his X account, "The act of intentionally spreading false information and causing social confusion and economic damage should be identified and punished sternly." He further stated that spreading fake news to the detriment of the public cannot constitute freedom of expression or be tolerated, adding that "any acts that harm people or destroy public order and values are tantamount to serious crimes that should be punished severely, even if they were committed as a joke."
In a separate report, Yonhap covered President Lee's remarks during a meeting with senior aides on May 21, where he called for stern punishment for those who glorify state-led atrocities or defame victims of such violence. This was in response to the spread of "malicious fake news" claiming that North Korean forces were involved in the 1980 democratization movement in Gwangju. The president described state violence as a "grave, inhumane and anti-social crime" and called for the prompt enactment of a law eliminating statutes of limitations for criminal charges and damages suits involving state violence.
Both reports originate from Yonhap News, South Korea's leading wire service, and present the president's statements with direct quotes and an authoritative tone.
Key Claims
- President Lee Jae Myung called for stern punishment for those spreading misinformation, specifically referencing the police investigation into fake news about forced dollar sales.
- Police have identified 10 people suspected of circulating the fake news about the government forcing people to sell U.S. dollars.
- The finance ministry dismissed claims about the government forcing people to sell U.S. dollars as "fake news," stating such a measure has never even been discussed.
- President Lee also called for stern punishment for those glorifying state-led atrocities or defaming victims, citing the spread of "malicious fake news" about North Korean involvement in the 1980 Gwangju movement.
- The president called for prompt enactment of a law eliminating statutes of limitations for criminal charges and damages suits involving state violence.