Overview
- Lawmakers approved the bill 170–3 after a 24-hour filibuster by the People Power Party and a partial opposition boycott of the vote.
- The measure allows courts to award punitive damages up to five times proven losses and up to 50 million won for hard-to-quantify harm.
- Outlets found by a court to have twice distributed false or manipulated information could face fines of up to 1 billion won from the media regulator.
- The law covers traditional media and large online channels, with supporters stressing an intent requirement and exemptions for satire and parody.
- Journalist groups and civic organizations warn the bill’s broad definitions and platform takedown powers could chill critical reporting and restrict expression.