Korea’s Cyber Defamation Law: Basics of Libel and Slander Law in Korea

The crime of defamation, in South Korea, is vastly different from defamation laws in many Western countries. Most Western countries have, only, civil liability for defamation and much stricter requirements even for civil liability. In the United States, the alleged defamation (civil) against a person must be a false statement. The truth is a complete defense. Owing to the First Amendment’s protection of free speech (New York Times vs. Sullivan), additional requirements may also apply, such as requiring the statement

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Definition of Defamation in Korea

Supreme Court Decision 97Da19038 delivered on February 27, 1998 【Damages】 Translation of Official Court Summary  a. When a media, such as broadcast etc, defames one by presenting fact, the action has no illegality when the alleged fact is related to a public matter, the presentation is intended solely for the public interest, and the alleged fact is proved to be true. In addition, even when the alleged fact is not proved to be true, but the presenter believes that the

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