[Asia Economy Reporter Park Cheol-eung] Yang Hyang-ja, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea (Gwangju Seogu-eul), announced on the 1st that she has taken the lead in proposing the 'Historical Distortion Prohibition Act.'
The bill includes provisions to punish those who distort historical facts to defame or insult victims and their bereaved families without reason with imprisonment of up to 7 years or a fine of up to 50 million won. Additionally, in cases of repeat offenses two or more times, imprisonment can be imposed immediately, and a special clause has been established to allow prosecution even without a complaint from the victims or their families.
Rep. Yang stated, "There have been noble sacrifices by numerous independence activists and democracy martyrs amid national disasters, including Japan's infringement of national sovereignty and colonial rule, the May 18 Democratic Movement, and the April 16 Sewol Ferry disaster." She explained, "Nevertheless, cases have occurred claiming North Korean military involvement in the May 18 Democratic Movement or denying and mocking the existence of Japanese military comfort women, raising a strong public demand for harsher punishments against such acts."
The bill significantly strengthens penalties for acts such as denying, grossly minimizing, or distorting historical facts through newspapers, magazines, radio, TV, other publications, or information and communication networks, as well as at exhibitions and assemblies; spreading false facts; defaming the honor of independence activists by stating false facts; insulting independence activists; and praising, encouraging, propagandizing, or sympathizing with pro-colonial rule organizations by collaborating with them.
Furthermore, defamation or insult crimes against independence activists can be prosecuted even without a complaint or against the explicit wishes of the victims.
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