Adding fuel to the fire

President Lee Jae Myung on Monday ordered a strong pre-emptive response to the spread of false information, calling it “an act of rebellion” amid heightened tensions linked to the conflict in the Middle East. Speaking at a Cabinet meeting, Lee said fake news is a tactic used in wartime to sow confusion and undermine the state. He cited rumors such as oil being funneled to North Korea and shortages of trash bags as examples. Lee also warned against politicians amplifying such claims as the government steps up monitoring and enforcement. [PARK YONG-SEOK]