On the 15th, a reporter posted photos on SNS while 'Ppeotchigi' was ongoing
On the 16th, responded to media editorials criticizing himself
[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Ju-hyung] On the 16th, Justice Minister Choo Mi-ae responded to a critical editorial by the media, stating, "The issues raised have been revealed to be distorted or baseless."
On the same day, Minister Choo referred to an editorial titled "Choo Mi-ae's Emotional Reactions to Every Incident, Can She Continue as Minister?" published by the 'JoongAng Ilbo' on her Facebook, replying, "I return this to you. Emotional articles on every single issue, can JoongAng Ilbo continue as a media outlet?"
The editorial mainly criticized Minister Choo's responses to journalists and opposition lawmakers as being 'emotional.'
The editorial pointed out that Minister Choo posted a photo on Facebook of a media reporter who was so-called 'stalking' with a camera in front of her house the day before (the 15th), criticizing, "Minister Choo, who is a politician who even served as party leader, showing an attitude that she cannot even tolerate photos taken on her way to work is an extremely emotional response."
It also stated, "Minister Choo's emotional reactions are not new," and pointed out that she sarcastically responded to an opposition lawmaker questioning her son's unauthorized leave from the military by saying, "You're writing fiction."
On the 15th, Justice Minister Choo Mi-ae posted a photo of a reporter on her Facebook, writing that she would have to stay at home until the situation is resolved because her commute was being obstructed. / Photo by Facebook capture
Meanwhile, on the 15th, Minister Choo revealed a photo of a reporter who was stalking in front of her house, writing, "About a month ago, the Ministry of Justice spokesperson sent an official letter to each media outlet requesting cooperation to restrict filming in front of the apartment as it is a private area. However, the reporter said they were unaware of this and insisted on continuing the stalking."
She added, "Since it interferes with my commute, I will stay at home and work until this situation ends," and pointed out, "For the past nine months, the media has taken full-body photos of me anywhere. Even the entrance to my apartment, which is a private space, has been invaded."
She emphasized, "They even asked inconsistent questions as if dealing with a dangerous criminal," and "The apartment residents who witnessed this scene are also very uncomfortable."
However, some criticized that taking photos of the reporter and posting them online was inappropriate behavior for a public figure.
A representative of the media outlet to which the reporter belongs said in an interview with 'Media Today' on the 15th, "We concluded that our reporter did not particularly invade (Minister Choo's) privacy," and emphasized, "During the time when Moon Jae-in was president-elect, photos were taken when he left his residence and went to work. Minister Choo is a public figure, so we do not agree with the criticisms."
Criticism toward Minister Choo also came from the opposition party.
Professor Kim Geun-sik of Gyeongnam National University, who is the head of the People Power Party's Songpa-byeong district in Seoul, wrote on his Facebook on the same day, "For a minister who is a former politician, reporters are like fate," and pointedly remarked, "A person who even served as party leader refusing to go to work due to media exposure?are you trying to retire from politics?"
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