[Asia Economy Reporter Koo Chae-eun] The Korea Communications Standards Commission announced on the 26th that it has decided to issue a legal sanction of "caution" to 'SBS 8 News' for its coverage of the sexual harassment accusation case against former Seoul Mayor Park Won-soon during its plenary session.
According to the Commission, on July 8, SBS 8 News reported the investigation testimony of Ms. A, who accused former Mayor Park, stating "Ms. A, who worked as Mayor Park's secretary since 2017," and added, "there are more victims besides the accuser herself."
The Commission pointed out that "the report definitively presented information that has not been confirmed as fact." It further stated, "Since securing objectivity is paramount in reporting sexual harassment allegations, relying on statements from sources other than Ms. A herself to report uncertain details about Ms. A's period of employment and the existence of additional victims as facts may cause secondary harm to Ms. A."
Meanwhile, at the same meeting, the Commission issued a "caution" sanction to TV Chosun's 'News Headquarters Hotline' and Channel A's 'Political Desk' regarding reports on the forgery allegations of a certificate related to Professor Jung Kyung-shim, wife of former Minister of Justice Cho Kuk. The Commission stated, "Without sufficient verification of facts from the parties involved, the broadcasts relied solely on specific media reports and portrayed that a particular individual who participated in an interview at the time of the allegation later changed their stance."
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