South Korean Democrats Want to Criminalize Anti-CCP Dissent

As protests continue against the new government in South Korea over its seeming embrace of China and North Korea, the Democrats prepare to crack down on the dissenters. The Democratic Party of Korea is introducing multiple bills in the legislature it controls that would criminalize anti-China protests.

Democratic Party Representative Yang Bu-nam introduced an amendment to the criminal act that would prohibit anti-China protests. He justified the actions, claiming, “On March 3 of last month, participants at an anti-China rally sang a song containing lyrics like ‘Changgae, Bukgye, and red communists should leave quickly’ and used profanity, spreading false claims about Chinese interference in elections.”

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Democratic Party Proposes Prison for Anti-China Defamation  조선일보
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The Democratic Party of Korea has consecutively proposed bills targeting anti-China protests. The People Power Party has reacted by criticizing, “They remain silent on anti-U.S. and anti-Japan protests but single out anti-China demonstrations.” Critics argue that the Democratic Party, which has long emphasized the freedom of assembly and expression, is now leading efforts to suppress protests. On the 6th, the party also passed an amendment to the Aviation Safety Act at the National Assembly’s Legislation and Judiciary Committee, banning the distribution of anti-North Korea leaflets in no-fly zones near border areas. The People Power Party opposed the move, stating, “It has unconstitutional elements, including infringing on freedom of expression.”

Democratic Party Representative Yang Bu-nam proposed a Criminal Act amendment on the 4th to recognize defamation against specific groups. Under the bill, those who defame the honor of specific nations, peoples, or races face up to five years in prison or a fine of up to 10 million Korean won, while those who publicly insult them face up to one year in prison or a fine of up to 2 million Korean won. Current law limits defamation and insult victims to individuals, but the amendment expands this to groups.