President Lee Says He Will Consider Shutting Down Ilbe Sites, Signals Cabinet Discussion

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[Financial News] President Lee Jae-myung said on the 24th that it is necessary to consider sanctions such as shutdowns, punitive damages and fines for sites that tolerate or encourage mocking and hateful expressions in the style of Ilbe Storehouse (Ilbe). His remarks came after allegations that visitors believed to be Ilbe users made mocking gestures at Bongha Village, where the 17th memorial service for former President Roh Moo-hyun was held.
In a post on his X account, Lee said, "There are competing views on whether expressions that stir social division and conflict through mockery and insults, like Ilbe, should be protected as free speech, or whether sanctions, including punishment, are necessary."
Lee also said, "There was also debate over shutting down Ilbe, wasn't there?" He added, "Under strict conditions, it appears necessary to open public discussion and conduct a real review of allowing punishment and punitive damages for mocking and hateful speech, as well as measures such as shutting down sites like Ilbe Storehouse that tolerate and promote such expressions, and imposing punitive damages and fines."
He then said, "I will instruct the State Council of South Korea as well," signaling that the government will begin formal discussions.
Earlier, attorney Jo Su-jin, a board member of the Roh Moo-hyun Foundation, claimed on Facebook that people believed to be Ilbe users made mocking gestures at the memorial site for the 17th anniversary of former President Roh Moo-hyun's death. Jo said, "Young people believed to be from 'Ilbe' came into the memorial hall in Bongha Village, wearing 'Ilbe' T-shirts and taking photos while making hand signs that symbolize Ilbe at various spots."
Jo explained that a so-called 'photo certification challenge' had been ordered on a particular site, and that the people were believed to have completed it and left proof photos. She said foundation staff asked them to leave, but because their actions involved walking and taking pictures rather than violence, it was difficult to take forceful measures, leaving staff with little choice but to respond by taking evidence photos.
Jo said, "Is it sane to come into a memorial hall on the day someone died, wear a mocking shirt and take photos?" She urged, "Please enact a law punishing hate speech."
west@fnnews.com Seong Seok-woo Reporter