|Chapter 3| The Evils of Hate Speech
Requests for social integration can also be found in our Constitution. The
constitution states “we, the people of Korea, proud of a resplendent history and
traditions” and emphasizes that Korean society is a historically and culturally
integrated society. The constitution of Korea has “determined to consolidate
national unity with justice, humanitarianism and brotherly love” which expresses
the willingness for social integration. The constitution is based on the assumption
that social integration is the foundation to “ensure security, liberty, and happiness
for ourselves and our posterity forever.” However, hate speech divides the
members of the society into those who hate and those who are hated, and leaves
out the latter group in the process of constitutional integration. Social responses
to hate are imperative in this era.
Experiences and Awareness on Hate Speech
The National Human Rights Association of Korea conducted surveys concerning the
public’s experiences with and awareness of hate speech, taking data from 1,200 adults in
March 2019 (hereby “Public Awareness Survey”) and from 500 youths in May 2019 (hereby
“Youth Awareness Survey”) by outsourcing a polling organization. The major findings of the
Public Awareness Survey are as follows (only parts of the findings of the Youth Awareness
Survey are shared).
32