By Kang Seung-woo
Korea is referred to as a global information and communication technology (ICT) leader and it is not difficult to see why.
The country was the first nation in the world to demonstrate its full-fledged fifth-generation (5G) network last April, which provides super-fast connection speeds, low latency and the ability to connect many devices without the system slowing down. It is also the most wired country in the world with the highest internet penetration rate of practically 100 percent as of the start of this year.
While leading the way in the development of an ICT-based society, however, the country is now struggling with long-neglected side effects.
Cyberbullying is increasingly rampant here, as evidenced by the suicides of K-pop stars Goo Ha-ra and Sulli, both of whom had fallen victim to online trolls' malicious comments that many believe led them to take their own lives last year.
Online sexual violence is another concern, with thousands of people, mostly women, becoming victims as perpetrators share illicit video and photographic content online.
Social media platforms, operated by far-right or ultra-left figures, are under fire for their roles in disseminating fake news and misinformation that is biased and fabricated with eye-catching headlines and edits.
In addition, their subscribers ― in particular, elderly YouTube users ― are showing signs of political radicalization.
Ilbe, an online community notorious for its far-right political views and hate-filled misogynistic content, is continuing to expand its presence in society.
Making the situation worse, the government's regulations to keep the fast-changing and untouchable online ecosystem in check are falling by the wayside, failing to keep pace with the rapid growth and resulting in belated efforts. For example, YouTube, taking flak for its sexual discrimination and violent content, is not subject to the Broadcasting Act unlike the conventional broadcasters, drawing calls for tougher rules on the video-streaming site as its presence continues to expand.