Online comments about the news are considerably influential nowadays because they are public opinion in themselves. The ‘Druking’ scandal showed well how comments can be rigged and they easily affect people. Online anonymity should be protected because of the freedom of expression, although it can lead to such crimes. I believe people are sensible and can tell right from wrong. The government cannot force people to reveal their real name online and the Korean Court already rejected this idea in 2012. It should be the responsibility of the portal sites to keep an eye on the comments and they need to find other ways to stop people spreading false news instead of using the real-name system.
By Son Hyun-jee, Guest Reporter
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tribune1968@cnumedia.com