The police have launched a pre-indictment investigation into so-called fake news claiming that the government sent official documents to Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix demanding the nullification of their performance bonus agreements.

The National Office of Investigation under the National Police Agency announced in a press release today (July 3) that it is investigating 7 accounts that posted the alleged false information, including rumors of a nullification of performance bonuses, on charges such as obstruction of business.

The police stated that they will apply a zero-tolerance policy and respond sternly by actively investigating the spread of major distorted information circulating online.

Recently, posts have been circulating on anonymous online communities for employees claiming that the government sent official documents to Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix requiring a full review of existing performance bonus agreements, and that starting next year, compensation and distribution methods would be designed and operated in line with a government-led excess profit-sharing policy.

In response, the Ministry of Employment and Labor and the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy refuted the claims, stating that they had never sent any such documents, and expressed their intention to take strong action, including reporting the matter to investigative authorities.