Categories Politics
South Korean Far-Left Leader Announces Criticism of China or Its Ruling Communist Party Will Be Treated as a Criminal Offense
November 12, 2025
According to a report by Munhwa Ilbo (Nov 11 2025), South Korean President Lee Jae-myung’s administration has announced a series of measures aimed at “eliminating hate speech and misinformation.”
These include a proposed Hate-Speech Prevention Law, mandatory removal of “hateful content” from social media platforms such as YouTube, and even the automatic dismissal of public officials who express so-called “hate speech.”
While no country was explicitly mentioned, many observers note that these moves are clearly intended to target the growing anti-China sentiment among Korean citizens.
The ruling party is also pushing a “Ban on Anti-China Protests” bill, criminalizing criticism or mockery of a foreign nation or its citizens, with penalties of up to five years in prison or ₩10 million in fines.
During a cabinet meeting, President Lee declared that hate speech and manipulated information “must be treated as crimes that go beyond the limits of freedom of expression,” insisting that they “must be severely punished as a threat to democracy.”
Justice Minister Chung Sung-ho added that his ministry would support “swift legislative action” to criminalize such expression.
This alarming statement has already drawn attention overseas.
The international outlet Visegrád 24 published a critical report on November 12, quoting Lee’s words directly and describing him as “South Korea’s new far-left president.”
The tweet reads:
South Korea’s new far-left Pres. Lee Jae-myung tells his police force that hate speech & misinformation shared on social media must be considered a “crime that goes beyond the limits of freedom of expression”
He says it must be severely punished as it “is a threat to democracy.” pic.twitter.com/ec8PDlct37
— Visegrád 24 (@visegrad24) November 11, 2025
From our source in South Korea:
Mr. Hoft, this demonstrates how far the current government is moving to restrict political dissent and free expression under the guise of “hate-speech regulation.”
Criticism of China or the ruling party can now be treated as a criminal offense.
The world needs to know that freedom of speech in South Korea is under serious threat.
Here is the full article from News Naver.com.
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