Time to rein in cyber-bullies

The recent suicide of actress Choi Jin-sil is fueling the debate about the need to regulate cyberspace.

According to accounts by Choi's family and acquaintances, as well as her writings, Choi was driven to take her own life largely as a result of cyber-bullying. She was greatly disturbed by Internet postings that connected her to the death of another actor, Ahn Jae-hwan, who had committed suicide less than a month earlier. Ahn had apparently killed himself because he was insolvent and the Internet rumor mill had Choi as one of the loan sharks he owed money to.

Distraught by the slanderous Internet postings, Choi asked the police to investigate the matter and a securities firm employee was arrested. However, the damage was already done and Choi, who is said to have suffered from depression, gave up on life.