Online Petition Launched to Combat Cyber Defamation in South Korea

On May 27, 2025, netizens expressed their concerns over cyber defamation, rallying behind a petition known as the 'Anti-Gaseyeon Law' aimed at reforming regulations against the spread of false information and human rights violations on online platforms. The petition, titled 'Request for System Improvement to Prevent Repeated Dissemination of False Information and Human Rights Violations on Online Platforms,' was posted in an online community, garnering significant attention. The author of the post highlighted the detrimental impact of the YouTube channel '가로세로연구소' (Gaseyeon), stating that many individuals have suffered due to the indiscriminate dissemination of unverified claims. As of the evening of May 27, approximately 19,000 people had signed the petition, which will remain open for signatures until June 21.

The petition emphasizes the growing social harm caused by Gaseyeon, which not only engages in irresponsible reporting without accountability but also exposes the private lives of individuals and their families. This has reportedly led some victims to make extreme choices due to the pressure. The petition calls for thorough investigations, legal penalties, broadcasting suspensions, platform sanctions, regulations against cyber defamation, and the restoration of victims' reputations.

Gaseyeon has previously been involved in controversies with various public figures, including 박수홍 (Park Soo-hong) and 쯔양 (Tzuyang). Recently, they made headlines by making unverified claims about actor 김수현 (Kim Soo-hyun) in relation to the late actress 고 김새론 (Go Kim-sae-ron), alleging inappropriate relationships and extortion attempts, which have stirred significant public outrage.