Seoul says Japan anti-hate speech bill will improve safety of Korean residents

SEOUL, May 24 (Yonhap) -- South Korea expressed hope Tuesday that a Japanese bill aimed at curbing hate speech against foreigners will improve the safety of Koreans living in the neighboring country.

The bill, passed by Japan's lower house of parliament earlier in the day, calls for efforts to end unjust and discriminatory actions against foreigners.

"Our government recognizes the effort put into its passage," Cho June-hyuck, Seoul's Foreign Ministry spokesman, said during a regular press briefing. "We hope the new legislation will create an environment in which all those from outside of Japan, including ethnic Koreans, can live in greater safety."

The bill, which passed the upper house on May 13, comes as rightist Japanese groups have often mounted verbal attacks and protests against Korean and other foreign residents in the country.

hague@yna.co.kr
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