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South Korean police have opened a preliminary investigation into online social media accounts accused of disseminating false information about the 1980 pro-democracy uprising in the southwestern city of Gwangju. The National Office of Investigation said it is looking into 37 accounts suspected of violating the Special Act on the May 18 Democratization Movement, which protects the historical record of the uprising. Police have also requested the removal of 240 online posts since Friday, according to Yonhap News Agency.

Coverage Comparison

Two reports by Yonhap News Agency, South Korea's leading wire service, provided details on the investigation. The first report, published on May 22, announced the launch of the probe following the emergence of an AI-generated newspaper clip that falsely claimed North Korean spies had instigated the uprising. The second, published on May 24, added fresh details, including the number of accounts under investigation and the booking of a woman in her 50s. Both reports attribute their information to the National Office of Investigation via a press release, and neither offers independent verification of the specific numbers or the investigation's progress.

Key Claims

  • Investigation into 37 accounts: According to the May 24 Yonhap report, police are probing 37 accounts suspected of spreading false information about the Gwangju uprising, in possible violation of the Special Act on the May 18 Democratization Movement. This figure has not been independently confirmed.
  • Removal requests for 240 posts: The same report states that police have asked for the removal of 240 online posts since Friday. The exact nature of these posts and the platforms involved have not been specified.
  • Booking of a woman in her 50s: Police have booked a woman in her 50s for allegedly posting an AI-generated newspaper clip dated May 20, 1980, with a headline claiming that spies who received instructions from Pyongyang had seized weapons and attacked troops enforcing martial law. The booking is part of the preliminary investigation.
  • AI-generated newspaper clip: Both Yonhap reports reference an AI-generated newspaper image circulated online, which appears to show a headline about North Korean spies and weapons seizures. The image is central to the investigation and has been widely shared on social media.

Perspectives

Historical Context

The May 18, 1980, uprising in Gwangju occurred when citizens rose against the military junta led by then-General Chun Doo-hwan. Chun had seized power in a coup and sent troops to the city, where they brutally suppressed the civilian protests. The movement is considered a pivotal moment in South Korea's democratization, and its spirit is protected by law.

Government and Police Stance

The National Office of Investigation said it will "proactively investigate fake news spreading through social media platforms regarding the May 18 democracy movement without tolerance" and will request deletion and blocking of such posts. The office added that police will take stern measures to ensure the spirit of the movement is not tarnished. The investigation is being conducted under the Special Act, which criminalizes the distortion or denial of the uprising's historical facts.

Public Reaction and Political Criticism

Beyond the police probe, the controversy over the AI-generated clip has coincided with public outrage over a separate incident involving Starbucks Korea. The coffee chain launched a limited-edition tumbler promotion featuring the word "tank," which many saw as a deliberate mockery of the Gwangju uprising, given the military tanks used to suppress protesters. The promotion was scrapped within hours. President Lee Jae Myung condemned the campaign as "inhumane behavior by lowly profiteers" that undermined the country's core values of human rights and democracy, urging accountability for those responsible.

Conclusion

The investigation into social media accounts spreading false information about the Gwangju uprising marks a significant step by South Korean authorities to combat disinformation around a deeply symbolic historical event. While the probe is still in its early stages, the police have identified specific accounts and posts, and have taken initial legal action. The case highlights ongoing tensions between freedom of expression and the legal protection of historical memory in South Korea. As the investigation continues, more details are expected to emerge regarding the scope of the disinformation campaign and the measures taken to prevent further spread.