Recent legislative proposals in South Korea aim to amend gaming laws, introducing specific provisions designed to penalize both creators and users of illegal programs, commonly known as 'hacks,' in the gaming community.

In this context, 'hacks' are defined as illicit software designed to unfairly increase a player's likelihood of success in online games. This includes using scripts that enable superhuman movement and reaction times in Multiplayer Online Battle Arenas (MOBAs). In First-Person Shooters (FPS), examples of such hacks include 'wallhacks,' which allow players to see through obstacles and track opponents' movements, and 'aimbots,' which automatically target and aim at opponents, providing an undue advantage in gameplay.

Currently, in South Korea, developing, distributing, or sharing 'hacks' is illegal, but using them is not.

On October 22, Representative Jeon Jae Soo of the Democratic Party of Korea introduced a bill to amend certain parts of the law related to the gaming industry.

The primary objective of the proposed bill is to introduce fines of 200,000 KRW (approximately 154.65 USD) for users utilizing illegal gaming programs (hacks). Additionally, it seeks to significantly escalate the penalties for those involved in creating and distributing such programs, which disrupt the normal functioning of games. Under the new proposal, the existing penalties, which currently stand at a maximum of one year in prison or a fine of 10 million KRW (roughly 7,732 USD), would be substantially increased. The revised penalties could include up to five years in prison or a fine of 50 million KRW (about 38,643 USD).

Representative Jeon Jae Soo explained the reason for the proposal, saying, "Although the current law prohibits the development, creation, and distribution of illegal programs, the steady demand for such programs has led to an increase in criminal profits, and we need to strengthen the effectiveness of sanctions."

It is worth noting that a similar legislative effort, targeting gamers who utilized these hacks, was previously introduced during the 20th National Assembly. However, it failed to gain sufficient support and was ultimately abandoned. The initiative resurfaced in the 21st National Assembly, but as of now, it remains pending, awaiting further deliberation and decision.

The 21st National Assembly will conclude on May 29, 2024, and with the general election scheduled for April, there is anticipation regarding whether this bill will pass through deliberations in the current assembly.

Korean netizens responded, "I get that this has good intentions but I think juvenile criminals and drunk driving issues are more urgent," "Why are they proposing a law like this?" "So if you use game hacks, you can get a criminal record," "I don't know why they keep making weird laws. There are things that need to be taken care of that are neglected but they keep targeting odd laws," "People would still use hacks even if they have to pay a 200,000 KRW fine," "Please do something about the juvenile law first," and "They need to focus on the offline problematic people."