US Human Rights Report Criticizes 'Nallimyeon' Incident as "Harassment"

Cases Restricting Press Freedom Mentioned Including MBC and Yusimin
Corruption Issues Also Pointed Out... Businessman Pardons and Daejang-dong Incident

On the 20th (local time), the U.S. Department of State expressed concerns regarding South Korea's human rights situation, particularly about restrictions on freedom of expression, including the media, caused by the application of defamation laws.

In the South Korea section of the '2022 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices' released that day, the Department of State stated, "South Korea is a constitutional democracy governed by the president and the National Assembly," and "the presidential and general elections were assessed as free and fair."

President Yoon Suk-yeol and U.S. President Joe Biden are having a conversation after concluding the 7th Global Fund Replenishment Conference held at a building in New York, USA, on September 21, 2022 (local time).
[Image source=Yonhap News]

It went on to point out, "Major human rights issues include restrictions on freedom of expression, including the application of defamation laws, government corruption, lack of investigation into gender-based violence, and the punishment of homosexuality within the military."

Regarding freedom of the press and expression, the report stated, "(South Korea) legally guarantees freedom of expression, including the press, and the government generally respects this," but added, "Nevertheless, the government limits constitutionally guaranteed freedom of expression and restricts internet access by applying laws such as the National Security Act and other legal provisions."

U.S. Secretary of State Tony Blinken holds a press conference on the 2022 Human Rights Report in Washington, DC on the 20th (local time). [Photo by AP and Yonhap News]

In particular, concerning the 'profanity controversy' that arose during President Yoon Seok-yeol's visit to New York last September, the report mentioned, "After MBC released a video criticizing foreign legislative bodies by President Yoon, it was stated that President Yoon mentioned that this could damage alliances and jeopardize national security," citing this as an example of 'Violence and Harassment.'

It also introduced that lawmakers from the ruling People Power Party filed a lawsuit against MBC, and the Broadcast Journalists Association issued a statement claiming that pressure was exerted by the presidential office before the video was released.

Furthermore, "On November 10, the presidential office issued a statement excluding MBC from boarding the presidential exclusive aircraft for the president's trip, citing 'repeated distorted reports,' and eight media outlets jointly condemned this decision as 'a clear challenge to press freedom,'" the report conveyed.

Use of Defamation Law to Restrict Public Debate and Censor Media Expression

Former Roh Moo-hyun Foundation Chairman Yoo Si-min, who was sentenced to a fine in the first trial of the 'defamation of Justice Minister Han Dong-hoon' case.
[Photo by Oh Gyu-min, Asia Economy]

The report stated, "The South Korean government has used defamation laws to restrict public debate and censor the expressions of individuals and the media," and noted, "Non-governmental organizations and human rights lawyers have raised concerns that politicians, public officials, and celebrities use these laws as tools of retaliation, including to suppress disclosures of sexual harassment."

Representative cases cited include former Minister of Health and Welfare Yoo Si-min being fined 5 million won by the Seoul Western District Court in June last year for defaming Minister of Justice Han Dong-hoon, and the police search of the YouTube media outlet Open Sympathy TV, which reported on the so-called 'Julie allegations' involving First Lady Kim Keon-hee.

Regarding freedom of assembly and demonstration, the report said, "The government generally respects the freedom of assembly but imposes some restrictions," and explained, "In May last year, the police announced they would maintain a policy banning assemblies and demonstrations within 100 meters of the presidential office, but civic groups protested, arguing that the presidential residence and office are separate, rendering the ban no longer valid, resulting in the Seoul Administrative Court issuing a conditional injunction allowing assemblies."

Corruption Issues Also Highlighted... Pardons of Business Leaders, Daejang-dong Scandal, and 5 Billion Won Involving Kwak Sang-do's Son

Former lawmaker Kwak Sang-do leaving the court.
[Photo by Yonhap News]

In the corruption section, the report included President Yoon's pardon of Samsung Electronics Vice Chairman Lee Jae-yong and Lotte Group Chairman Shin Dong-bin during last year's Liberation Day special amnesty.

The report explained, "Vice Chairman Lee was involved in a corruption scandal that led to the impeachment of former President Park Geun-hye, and Chairman Shin was also linked to bribery allegations related to former President Park."

The Daejang-dong scandal, which was controversial during the last presidential election, was included again in this year's report.

The report cited the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office's November indictment of former Seongnam Urban Development Corporation Planning Director Yoo Dong-gyu for allegedly receiving 600 million won in campaign funds from Lee Jae-myung, then the Democratic Party's presidential candidate, as a corruption case.

Also included under the same category was the November indictment without detention of former People Power Party lawmaker Kwak Sang-do on bribery charges for receiving 5 billion won as a retirement payment for his son from Hwacheon Daeyu.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.