Seoul: The National Assembly passed a bill on Thursday aimed at punishing the spread of misinformation concerning victims of sexual slavery by Japan during World War II, with potential penalties of up to five years in prison, as announced by the gender ministry.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the amendment to the law protecting wartime sexual slavery victims was approved during a plenary session. Under the new bill, individuals spreading misinformation through various media and platforms, including newspapers, broadcasts, exhibits, and rallies, could face up to five years in prison or a fine of up to 50 million won (US$34,100).

Exemptions apply for acts conducted for artistic, academic, research, and news-reporting purposes, which are considered legitimate exercises of freedom of expression. The revised bill also mandates authorities to conduct inspections on statues and symbols commemorating the victims.

Gender Minister Won Min-kyong noted, "The amendment will serve as an opportunity to clearly set social standards to correct historical distortion and denial, as well as insults against the victims." The revised law is set to take effect three months after its promulgation.