Prime Minister Kim Min-seok stated in relation to the upcoming local elections in June, “While freedom of expression should be maximally guaranteed, any act that intentionally creates and distributes fake news, in any form or intent, to disrupt political or electoral order must be responded to strictly according to law and principles.”
Prime Minister Kim made these remarks today (26th) at the ‘Related Ministers’ Meeting on Responding to Fake News Exploitation, Including AI’, held at the government complex in Seoul.
He emphasized, “Fake news and black propaganda that distort government policies, falsely defame government officials, and slander specific candidates or parties ahead of various elections or primaries is the enemy of democracy,” and added, “Uprooting these without any tolerance is the way to protect democracy.”
Furthermore, he stressed the importance of being highly vigilant and prepared, unlike in the past, for potential scenarios where AI-generated fake news could be spread just before future elections, affecting the election results.
Prime Minister Kim also called for the Broadcasting and Media Telecommunications Commission to strengthen its role as the government’s control tower, and urged the prosecution and police to actively eliminate fake news through swift and thorough investigations.