Lawmakers and celebrities including Go Hyun Jung and Kim Gye Ran demand action to combat online misinformation

Fake news targeting celebrities is more than just a rumor; it damages personal reputations and leads to serious harm.

Kim Gye Ran, a YouTuber with approximately 3 million subscribers, recently addressed fake news in a video about his recent car accident. He expressed frustration, stating, “There are articles claiming I’m dead.” Similarly, comedian Kim Won Hyo shared a fake news report about his death on social media, angrily stating, “Let’s do something about these fake news laws. I’m alive.”

In addition to false death reports, baseless rumors continue to spread.

On June 9, the YouTube channel ‘Entertainment Agency’ disseminated absurd claims about Ko Hyu Jung and Jo In Sung as if they were true. It was revealed that this video was a compilation of unrelated photos manipulated to present false information.

In recent years, the so-called ‘cyber wrecking’ crime, where fake news is created to profit from celebrities and well-known influencers, has increased. These perpetrators create and upload sensational videos with dubious content to increase views and earn revenue. The YouTube channel ‘Sojang,’ which produced defamatory videos about IVE member Jang Wo Young, generating substantial profits, has been brought to trial. The court has frozen some assets of the channel’s operator, Park.

The National Assembly is also taking action against fake news. Recently, an amendment to the Information and Communications Network Act was proposed in the 22nd National Assembly to impose obligations on platforms like Naver and YouTube to prevent fake news.

The amendment includes provisions requiring information service providers to designate a person responsible for preventing the spread of false information and imposes fines for non-compliance.

Fake news is no longer just an individual’s misconduct; it has become a criminal offense. The harm caused by the spread of fake news damages not only personal reputations but also the trust of society as a whole.

Strong penalties and responsible behavior from information-sharing platforms are necessary to address this issue.