Little Brother Is Watching You in South Korea

A Los Angeles Times report on those freelance photographers who snap photos of "subjects are not the rich and famous, but low-grade lawbreakers, whose actions are caught on film that is peddled as evidence to government officials" — In South Korea, vigilante 'paparazzi' patrol the streets.

There subjects include "the slouching salary man lighting up in a no-smoking area, the homeowner illegally dumping trash, the corner merchant selling stale candy to kids." Some are specialists: "There are 'seonparazzi,' who specialize in pursuing election law violators; 'ssuparazzi,' who target illegal acts of dumping garbage; and 'seongparazzi,' who target prostitution, which is illegal in South Korea."

The article suggests that many "consider themselves deputized agents of the South Korean government." One confessed, "It's shameful work -- I'm really not proud of it." More government agents should be so honest about their work.