Proof Is In The Posting?

In recent years, a number of singers and actors in Korea have been the target of viral Internet attacks accusing them of everything from sexual lassitude to financial malfeasance. Some victims have committed suicide as a result.

The latest target is Daniel Seon Woong Lee, a Korean-Canadian better known as the rapper Tablo of the popular South Korean hip-hop group Epik High. Lee received both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in English literature from Stanford University before he joined the group. Certain online commenters have launched a campaign to discredit him by saying that the degrees are frauds.

One group that formed in May now boasts 131,000 members, making it that much more difficult to fight the rumors. Stanford Registrar Tom Black has posted Lee’s transcripts online and even allowed cameras to film him printing out one of Lee’s degrees to show it is legitimate, but the attacks keep coming.

In Korea, educational background is very important for social standing. Talent agencies often publicize the school achievements of their clients. Sometimes this practice backfires, because many people believe the agencies just make up degrees.

In any case, the attacks have become personal and some have even threatened Lee’s family. The rapper is hoping that a documentary recently produced by a Korean TV station about the issue will clear up matters.