In South Korea, the rise of digital media has brought about new forms of political activism, but with it has also come a surge in online harassment directed at mainstream journalists. These journalists are facing a barrage of hateful emails, comments, and messages daily, as political activists turn to digital platforms to express discontent and, in some cases, to silence those they disagree with. This phenomenon raises a critical question: has digital media empowered "bad actors" to engage in anti-democratic practices by threatening journalists, or is something deeper at play?
Jane Yeahin Pyo, a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Massachusetts-Amherst and fellow at the Global Technology for Social Justice (GloTech) Lab, argues that the issue goes beyond a simple "good vs. bad" narrative. According to Pyo, the current debate assumes a unified and static definition of democracy, one that may no longer apply in the rapidly changing digital landscape. Instead, she suggests we should examine how digital media is transforming the way democracy itself is imagined, defined, and practiced.
In her research, Pyo explores how left-wing activists in South Korea have turned to online harassment as a means of confronting the conservative press, which has historically controlled much of the civic discourse, particularly since the era of authoritarian dictatorship. These activists see their actions as a form of protest against a media system they view as undemocratic. As such, the very definition of democratic practice is being contested and redefined in the digital age.
Pyo’s analysis highlights how digital media has reshaped the political battleground in South Korea, where acts of online aggression are becoming a powerful tool in contentious politics. The broader question her research raises is whether these tactics, though aggressive, represent a new form of civic engagement or a threat to democratic norms. As the line between free speech and harassment continues to blur, South Korea's experience may offer important insights into the evolving nature of democracy in the digital era.
Digital Attacks in the Name of “Democracy”: New Modes of Contentious Politics in South Korea
With Jane Yeahin Pyo
October 25
ILC 301 “The Hub”
12:00PM