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. However, union monopolies at the company level will continue until 2002. New labor laws in February ended the tradition of lifetime employment by allowing job dismissals, but also allowed unions to engage in political activity and granted state-employed teachers the right to organize. Foreign workers are frequently forced to work longer hours and for less pay than initially promised, and are occasionally beaten and otherwise abused.