President Moon Attends Democracy Summit... Highlights Harms of Populism and Fake News

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] On the evening of the 9th, President Moon Jae-in attended the 'Summit for Democracy' hosted by U.S. President Joe Biden, declaring South Korea's commitment to contributing to the promotion of democracy and defining populism, fake news, and corruption as enemies of democracy.

President Moon spoke as a panelist in the first session of the plenary meeting attended by 12 countries under the chairmanship of President Biden, stating that South Korea would actively participate and contribute to efforts to promote democracy based on its successful experience of achieving both democratization and economic development in the Asian region.

President Moon emphasized that humanity is facing challenges such as populism, extremism, inequality and polarization, fake news, hatred, and animosity, and that it is time for serious discussions on ways to protect democracy. To this end, he said that individual freedom and freedom of expression must harmonize as freedom for all, and that the capacity for self-purification to protect democracy from fake news must be developed.

He also stated that corruption is the greatest enemy of democracy and shared South Korea's anti-corruption policy achievements with the international community, including the Anti-Graft Act, Conflict of Interest Prevention Act, Whistleblower Protection System, and Anti-Money Laundering Act.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Furthermore, he noted that South Korea received significant support from the international community during its process of overcoming military dictatorship and authoritarian regimes to develop into the most dynamic democracy, and pledged to actively cooperate and contribute to strengthening democracy.

The Blue House stated, "Through participation in the Summit for Democracy, South Korea reaffirmed its status as a leading democracy in the Asian region and shared its democratic experiences, achievements, and policies," adding, "It is evaluated as a strong demonstration of our commitment to contributing to international solidarity and cooperation for the promotion of democracy."