Overview

• Seoul police have requested an arrest warrant for a Sky Daily reporter accused of spreading false claims about Chinese spies rigging the 2024 South Korean elections.
• The misinformation, which alleged the arrest of 99 Chinese spies, was debunked by US Forces Korea and the U.S. Department of Defense as entirely false.
• Authorities stated the false report disrupted the National Election Commission's duties and led to charges of obstructing official duties under South Korea's Criminal Act.
• The claims were cited by former President Yoon Suk Yeol to justify a brief martial law declaration, later overturned and referenced in his impeachment trial.
• Police have pledged stronger measures to combat election-related fake news, with a court decision on the reporter's arrest expected on May 21, 2025.