Cheong Senior Secretary Takes a Stern Stance on Chosun Ilbo Report

Yoon Dohan, Chief of National Communication, Refutes Reports on Public Relations Planning Secretary... Intensifies Criticism Mentioning Media Outlets by Name

[Asia Economy Reporter Ryu Jeong-min] Yoon Do-han, the Blue House Chief of Public Communication, issued a written briefing expressing strong disapproval of a report by the Chosun Ilbo. In particular, Chief Yoon continued with severe criticism regarding the Chosun Ilbo report, calling it "content that would only appear in market rumor magazines" and "deliberately malicious reporting."

On the 28th, Yoon Do-han, Chief of Public Communication at the Blue House, stated in a written briefing, "The Chosun Ilbo reported today that Jeong Gu-cheol, the Blue House Secretary for Public Relations Planning, tendered his resignation to prevent the fire of the Justice Memory Solidarity incident from spreading to the Blue House," adding, "This is a typical Chosun Ilbo-style false report. It is not true."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Chief Yoon also explained the process of recruiting Secretary Jeong Gu-cheol and the background behind his resignation. He said, "I recommended Secretary Jeong Gu-cheol as the Secretary for Public Relations Planning last year and recruited him after persistent efforts. Secretary Jeong, who repeatedly declined, reluctantly agreed to work with me due to our personal connection but set the condition that he would only work until April this year. As promised, he was scheduled to resign last month, but since a comprehensive secretary reshuffle was planned, I requested him to delay his resignation."

On the 28th, the Chosun Ilbo reported that the Secretary General of Justice Memory Solidarity is Secretary Jeong’s wife and raised questions about the background of Secretary Jeong’s resignation. In response, Chief Yoon claimed, "I judge that today’s Chosun Ilbo report was deliberately malicious."

Chief Yoon intensified his criticism by referring to past articles by the Chosun Ilbo. He said, "On the 18th, the Chosun Ilbo again published a typical false report. They reported that the Blue House canceled a military general promotion ceremony due to dissatisfaction with the military," adding, "I am puzzled how such absurd falsehoods can be openly published in a newspaper."

Furthermore, Chief Yoon said, "On the 4th, the Chosun Ilbo published an interview article raising suspicions that the early voting in the April 15 general election was manipulated. It is unbelievable that content that would only appear in market rumor magazines is reported in a comprehensive daily newspaper," and claimed, "It is difficult to even count the number of such false reports by the Chosun Ilbo."

Chief Yoon concluded, "I hope people consider why the credibility of Korean media is hitting rock bottom. I hope that articles based on the Chosun Ilbo’s false reports will not be reproduced."