Korea’s ruling party pushes more bills to restrict free speech despite US concerns

Rep. Noh Jong-myun, a member of the ruling Democratic Party of Korea's special committee on media reform, speaks to reporters at the National Assembly in Seoul, Dec. 14, 2025. Newsis

The ruling Democratic Party of Korea is advancing a new round of media legislation, prompting worry among civil liberties groups that the measures could expand the government’s authority to restrict online news and shape public discourse.

The new push comes despite concerns raised by the United States and international organizations, including UNESCO, over Korea’s recently enacted “anti-fake news” law, a revision of the Information and Communications Network Act set to take effect in July, following President Lee Jae Myung’s approval.

Rep. Yang Moon-seok introduced a bill last week to create a new “right to request the blocking of news articles.” The measure would allow people who claim harm from online reporting to demand that specific articles be effectively removed from public circulation.

Under the proposal, people alleging that they have suffered privacy violations or defamation from online media could file a request to have the relevant article blocked from news sites and search engines. Current law permits victims of false news to seek correction, rebuttal or compensation, but the original articles typically remain searchable and readable. The bill is designed to make it possible to prevent access altogether.

There are three conditions under which such a request could be made: When the headline or main content of a report is not truthful; when a report infringes the “core sphere” of a person’s private life such as sexual identity; or when the content of the report continuously infringes an individual’s personal rights.

Although the bill includes an exception for reporting on matters of public concern, critics say the vague language would still encourage preemptive removal of critical stories.

“I’m concerned that this will effectively push the media into self‑censorship. It clashes with the spirit of free speech guaranteed under Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which Korea has ratified,” a legal expert at a rights group told The Korea Times on Wednesday.

The legislative move comes alongside a separate attempt to tighten press controls led by Rep. Noh Jong-myun, who is also a member of the ruling party.

The proposal would expand the reach and lifespan of legal liability for the press.

One of its most disputed provisions would widen the right to demand corrections or rebuttals. Current law limits that right to factual reporting, excluding opinion pieces like editorials and columns. The bill would remove that distinction, opening even commentary to formal rebuttal requests and regulatory scrutiny.

The bill also dramatically extends the time window for seeking corrections.

Under current rules, requests must be filed within three months of a person learning of a report and within six months of its publication. Noh’s amendment would extend that window to as long as two years, while also setting out detailed requirements for the format, placement and prominence of correction notices.

The party advanced a similar proposal to block articles in 2021, but later withdrew it after a coalition of domestic and international human rights groups, including Human Rights Watch, warned that the measure could allow public figures and influential groups to remove critical or uncomfortable reporting from the internet under the guise of protecting victims.

The U.S. has increasingly emphasized media freedom and open digital spaces as central pillars of its alliances, while also expressing growing concern about the expansion of state censorship and government control over information.

In a report for its 2025-2030 strategic plan, released last week, the U.S. State Department raised concerns about restrictions imposed by foreign governments on free speech and warned it will counter them “through all appropriate means including visa and financial sanctions.”