Advertisement
South Korea
AsiaEast Asia

South Korea could impose travel ban on hate-spewing foreign influencers

Under the proposed clampdown, an influencer who posts derogatory content on South Korea could face more than public backlash

Reading Time:1 minute
Why you can trust SCMP
US influencer Johnny Somali harassing pedestrians on the street in South Korea. Photo: TikTok/JohnnySomali
The Korea Times
Foreign content creators planning to film about South Korea are getting a new cautionary note: their words now carry higher stakes.

During a cabinet meeting this week, Justice Minister Jung Sung-ho said the government may restrict entry for foreigners who make hateful or derogatory comments about the country.

“We will review comprehensive measures to restrict entry for foreigners who express hate towards South Korea from overseas,” Jung said.

Advertisement

Under this new enforcement, an influencer whose overseas channel posts derogatory commentary about South Korea could face more than social backlash – they could find themselves banned from entering the country.

For global creators who routinely post in English on platforms like Instagram and YouTube, the message is clear: content matters. A video joking about Korean culture, or making sweeping negative generalisations, might once have passed as edgy or clickbait. But with the proposed clampdown, serious consequences may follow.

Advertisement
Recent cases of foreign content creators drawing public backlash include Johnny Somali and Debo-chan. Somali, an American streamer, was indicted last year after posting a video of himself disrupting a convenience store.
Advertisement
Select Voice
Choose your listening speed
Get through articles 2x faster
1.25x
250 WPM
Slow
Average
Fast
1.25x