South Korea stands as one of the world’s most digitally active societies. However, recent studies suggest that it is ill-equipped to tackle the burgeoning challenge of online misinformation. Deep-seated political divides have only compounded the problem, as many seem unwilling to address the challenge head-on.

At a conservative rally in late June, President Yoon Suk-yeol highlighted the threats that “false instigations, fabrications and fake news” present to South Korea’s freedom. However, these warnings were largely veiled criticisms of the policies of the preceding Moon Jae-in administration.

But the politicization of the term “fake news” in South Korea is