South Korea

Freedom of Speech

United States ConstitutionAmendment 1

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof, or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press, or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.

United States Laws

No criminal laws against Libel or Slander.The victim can sue in civil court but reputation-damaging allegations must be false for the victim to win.

South Korean Constitution

Article 21All citizens enjoy the freedom of speech and the press, and of assembly and association.Neither speech nor the press may violate the honor or rights of other persons nor undermine public morals or social ethics. Should speech or the press violate the honor or rights of other persons, claims may be made for the damage resulting therefrom.

South Korean LawsNational Security Law (NSL)

Limits expression of Communist and pro-North Korean views, as determined by the government.Broad interpretation allows government to silence dissenting viewpoints.

Government controls mediaHas power to censor newspapers, radio, television.Allows most viewpoints to be printed or heard unless they violate the NSL or the Constitution.

South Korean Customs

Talking about government officials’ private lives is taboo.

Makes officials and government appear weak.Weak government invites North Korean Communists to take over.