▲ Professor Hong Seongsoo during his lecture on May 29. Photographed by Choi Hyunbin.

By Choi Hyunbin (khyrst@korea.ac.kr)

On May 29, 2017, Korea University Student Association’s (KUSA) Human Rights Solidarity Division hosted a lecture by Sookmyung Women’s University Professor Hong Seongsoo. Professor Hong discussed hate speech and freedom of expression as main topics for his lecture.

He presented on the history of a wide array of views surrounding the issue, such as the identifiable origins of hate speech and debates regarding the necessity of regulations to curb hate speech. Presenting cases of Korea and the United States (U.S.), Professor Hong advocated for increased activism for minority rights within Korea. He mentioned the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) as a case in point.

During the lecture, Professor Hong explored the subject on why hate crimes, hate speech, and discrimination are serious issues. Fear of harassment and targeted violence essentially “rid [minorities] of their citizenship,” said Professor Hong. He reasoned that a threatening act against a particular group of minorities, whether it is physical violence against a person or defacing supportive banners, sends a message to the group that it is unsafe for them.

Professor Hong’s lecture was the first of three in a lecture series on minority human rights. Three lectures are planned over three days from May 29 to May 31. Tuesday’s (May 30) lecture will explore different kinds of sexual minorities, and Wednesday’s (May 31) will focus on discrimination and racism in today’s society.
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