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Suicide Prompts Uproar Over Cyber-Insults in S. Korea

Officials push for tougher punishments for 'cyber-terrorism'

By Wesley Oliver,  Newser Staff

Posted Oct 26, 2008 2:18 PM CDT
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(Newser) – The suicide of a popular actress is prompting South Korean officials to get tough with “cyber-terrorists,” the Los Angeles Times reports. Choi Jin-sil hanged herself this month after Internet rumors blamed her for the death of a fellow actor. “People who inflict cyber-terrorism must pay the appropriate price,” said one lawmaker, as colleagues press for stiffer punishments.

“Our Internet culture is more violent and vicious than most other countries'," a professor told Newsweek. “People don't respect each other." But one advocate fears legislation will prevent people from criticizing the government, while others say South Korea’s low happiness rating is the real issue: "The new policy is like wielding a rod to stop people from speaking out their discontent."

Choi Jin-sil's suicide came as government officials are pushing to introduce new clauses in communication laws to enforce harsher punishment for cyber-insults.
Choi Jin-sil's suicide came as government officials are pushing to introduce new clauses in communication laws to enforce harsher punishment for cyber-insults.   (Shutter Stock)
The idea of introducing a cyber-insult law is finding traction in the wake of Choi's death, especially among the ruling party legislators.
The idea of introducing a cyber-insult law is finding traction in the wake of Choi's death, especially among the ruling party legislators.   (Shutter Stock)
Choi Jin-sil was found hanged in the bathroom of her house in Seoul, prompting some to point the finger at Internet gossip-mongers.
Choi Jin-sil was found hanged in the bathroom of her house in Seoul, prompting some to point the finger at Internet gossip-mongers.   (AP Photo/Yonhap, FILE)
An ambulance carrying the body of top South Korean actress Choi Jin-sil leaves her home for a hospital surrounded by media and police officers in Seoul, South Korea.
An ambulance carrying the body of top South Korean actress Choi Jin-sil leaves her home for a hospital surrounded by media and police officers in Seoul, South Korea.   (AP Photo/Yonhap, Im Hun-jung)
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Choi had been struggling with messy divorce
New York Times

Roiling economy could prompt more suicides
Reuters

 
Internet • suicide • South Korea • crime • cyberterrorism • cyberbullying

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