Seoul: Prime Minister Kim Min-seok on Thursday called for rooting out fake news with the help of the prosecution and the police, saying such misinformation threatens democracy ahead of elections. Kim issued the call during a meeting with relevant ministers and agency chiefs with the nationwide local elections less than four months away on June 3.

According to Yonhap News Agency, Kim emphasized the detrimental effects of fake news and smear campaigns that distort government policies, spread false accusations against government members, and undermine specific candidates or parties ahead of elections or primaries. He described these acts as a public enemy of democracy.

Kim stated the need to balance freedom of expression while ensuring that acts of intentionally creating and distributing fake news are addressed strictly according to the law and principles. He warned that producing fake news will not be tolerated, regardless of social standing, and that a zero-tolerance approach is necessary to defend democracy.

Highlighting the potential impact of disinformation on election results, Kim urged the prosecution and the police to conduct swift and thorough investigations to root out fake news.