The 50cents party - China's paid internet commenters

Distortion in Online Forums 

Korea's internet forums and news comments section are dominated by  China's paid internet commenters who are known as 50 cents party.  They are mostly Joseon-Jok and Chinese.

The domination of media does not mean that public opinion simply follows suit. This is because we are free to express our views via the remarks we make under online news, and people can view your opinion after they read the article. Thus, public opinion is largely generated online these days.

Since China struggles to dominate and distort the public’s view on issues, there is no reason that they would simply let it be. There is an inestimable number of hired Chinese (50 Cent Party) trying to distort the public opinion by expressing views in line with the actions of the Chinese government. This is probably a serious issue in the US, not to mention Korea.

Then how do these people control public opinion? It might be done through the following measures.

1. Get in groups and stay connected through messengers.

2. Post ‘opinions’ on the target article or forum in large numbers.

3. Whenever a retort arises, attack that person who raised a different viewpoint in large numbers. A normal person would feel pressure to conform to the group’s opinion.

4. Pull this process off throughout the internet.

The 50 Cent Party is already known to consist of tens of millions of people. Also, Chinese have strength in the acquisition of foreign languages. As a result, China has the power in its hands to change the public opinion in other countries in its favor. If there is a massive angry attack on people’s posts that denounce China, this is a surefire sign that the 50 Cent Party is actively working in the US forums and online news, and thus supporting certain politicians or celebrities, products, covering up corruption, et cetera. 

<중국의 황금 방패와  한국의 안철수방패>

http://www.godemn.com/xe/asura_softcolumn/172625  (Korean)

<中国の手玉に取られ、制圧されている韓国のオンライン> 

http://www.godemn.com/xe/asura_softcolumn/206168 (Japanese)