Chief Presidential Secretary Kang Yu-jeong stated in a written briefing that President Lee directed the police to consider rewarding personnel involved in the investigation of comments related to the dissemination of false information during a closed session of the government meeting.
Kang urged law enforcement to pay special attention to fake news that disrupts government policies, noting its significant harm.
President Lee reportedly praised the police's investigation results concerning the false claims about the government's forced sale of dollars.
He also highlighted that among those accused of spreading fake news is a military personnel, instructing authorities to coordinate with the Ministry of National Defense, as penalties and disciplinary actions may vary based on their status.
Earlier, President Lee shared an article about the incident on X (formerly Twitter), warning that spreading false information that harms the public is neither a matter of free expression nor something to be tolerated.
During the government meeting, discussions also included reviewing broadcasting regulations and the judicial system. President Lee mentioned the need for accountability in broadcasting, stating that while certain channels are protected from competition, they must also bear responsibility for their content.
He questioned how to impose sanctions when broadcasts lack objectivity and repeatedly present falsehoods, distortions, or manipulations, emphasizing the need for effective penalties.
The Ministry of Legislation was instructed to expand the public disclosure of lower court rulings, with President Lee noting that while the courts would review this positively, progress has been slow. He urged the swift establishment of a legal advisory system utilizing artificial intelligence (AI).
Regarding the Overseas Koreans Agency, he addressed the voting rights of overseas citizens, stating that if consensus cannot be reached, decisions should be made by majority vote, in line with democratic principles.
The meeting also addressed economic responses to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, with President Lee stressing the need to prevent situations where individuals feel they might die due to debt, directing a review of personal bankruptcy and rehabilitation systems.
He specifically mentioned the issue of individuals being incarcerated for failing to pay fines, suggesting the exploration of financial support or private fundraising options, referred to as 'Les Misérables Bank.'
President Lee commented on a fire at Hanwha Aerospace in Daejeon that occurred the previous day, instructing a thorough investigation into the cause and the establishment of measures to prevent recurrence. He also ordered the Ministry of Employment and Labor to report on workplaces where similar incidents have repeatedly occurred.
Regarding a fatal incident during reserve training in Pocheon, he expressed deep condolences as the Commander-in-Chief and called for a thorough investigation and transparent disclosure of the findings.
Additionally, the government meeting approved a total of 65 items, including 40 legal proclamations, one bill, 20 presidential decrees, and four general items, which included legislation related to the promotion of AI data centers and support for defense semiconductors.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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