In recent years, courts have convicted and jailed several journalists under criminal defamation laws for articles critical of officials or corporations. Courts convicted at least one journalist of criminal defamation in 1998. Authorities reportedly pressure editors to kill critical articles, and the largely private media practice some self-censorship. The broadcast media are subsidized by the state but offer varied viewpoints. Television featured significantly for the first time in the 1997 presidential election campaign, although citizens complained of an emphasis on frivolity and personality rather than policies.
Civic institutions are strong and local human rights groups operate openly.
Student protests have become a ritual occurrence and frequently turn violent. Women face social and professional discrimination, and domestic violence is reportedly fairly widespread. Religious freedom is respected. Labor relations are frequently characterized by union militancy and forceful responses by authorities. The independent Korean Confederation of Trade Unions had been technically illegal despite representing 550,000 workers.