Perplexing Korean Editorial

I am perplexed with an editorial titled "Insults on Internet - Cyber Slander Law Has Room for Political Abuse." (6 October 2008, Korea Times)

In it, the editorial noted that current moves by the government to restrict malicious postings by internet users could restrict people's freedom of speech.

Incidentally, the attempt to regulate rumor-mongering on the internet came in light of the suicide of Korean iconic actress Choi Jin-sil (pictured) who had reportedly taken her life after being in a state of depression over what she felt were unfair and malicious rumors about her.

For me, the perplexing bit was when the editorial suggested that Korea "leads the world" in "ending one's own life the easiest, simplest and most irresponsible way."

Ok, leading the world in suicide rates.

The truly perplexing bit - "In addition, Korea is the country of rumors, another shameful remnant from its long experience of colonization and dictatorship."

Huh? How so? How is Korea the country of rumors? And what is the connection and linkage to the country's past history of colonization and dictatorship? And is almost every social ailment linked to colonization and dictatorship?