The Korea Communications Standards Commission announced Sunday that a new standard on “national dignity” would be set to discipline those who broadcast distorted information about historical events or figures.
The rule will also ban airing of content that tarnishes the nation’s dignity and pride; or distorts, mocks and disparages historical events or figures without “objective grounds.”
The plan comes as concerns over TV stations’ airing of groundless or wrong information have been mounting in recent years, especially since the launch of general programming networks such as TV Chosun, Channel A and JTBC in December 2011.
A lack of legal grounds to deal with such content has been blamed as the major culprit behind factually incorrect information on TV news programs, the authorities said.
For instance, TV Chosun and Channel A, both widely considered right wing, have aired reports falsely stating that North Korean soldiers were dispatched to Gwangju during the May 18 Democratic Uprising in 1981.
The programs have been criticized for hurting the pride of Gwangju citizens and those still recovering from the government-led suppression that led to hundreds of deaths and casualties.
The commission resolved to issue heavy punishments to the TV stations for a lack of objectivity in June, but it was agreed among the authorities that stronger measures were needed to deal with similar cases in future.
The commission also announced plans for additional revisions, including rules against TV and radio programs that hinder cultural exchanges and friendship between South and North Korea.
Programs will also be banned from detailing the methods of celebrity suicides or suggesting reasons for their suicide. Identification of the surviving family members of people who committed suicide will also be banned in order to protect their privacy and to prevent copycat suicides.
“We are planning to hold public hearings about the issues and finalize the legalization process in January,” said Park Jong-hyun, spokesman of the commission.
