[Asia Economy (Suwon) = Reporter Lee Young-gyu] Kim Hong-guk, spokesperson for Gyeonggi Province, urged the cessation of criminal acts such as the mass production of fake news by some media outlets, stating that no citizens will be deceived any longer by various 'conspiracy theories' and 'fabrications' surrounding Gyeonggi Province Governor Lee Jae-myung.
On the 12th, through Facebook, Spokesperson Kim pointed out, "Fake news is the hot topic in COVID-19, politics, and society alike," adding, "Fake news undermining quarantine efforts is circulating, and even major central media outlets are openly reporting conspiracy theories and fake news that fuel political conflicts, which is truly shocking."
He further stated, "Fake news is circulating claiming that Governor Lee Jae-myung is behind the exposure of land speculation allegations involving Korea Land and Housing Corporation (LH) employees," and added, "(Based on this) they point to lawyers Seo Seong-min and Kim Nam-geun of the Minbyun (Lawyers for a Democratic Society), who exposed the LH employees' land speculation allegations, as figures affiliated with Governor Lee."
He analyzed, "This appears to be an attempt to somehow link and involve Governor Lee Jae-myung," and added, "This aligns with recent attempts by not only ruling party members but also opposition figures to undermine Governor Lee’s life and policies."
Spokesperson Kim emphasized, "The claim that Governor Lee leaked the LH scandal to shake up the presidential election and burden the government and ruling party is the worst conspiracy theory imaginable, lacking any factual or logical basis," and firmly stated, "To be clear, there was no relation or consultation whatsoever between the LH scandal and Gyeonggi Province or Governor Lee’s side."
He urged, "Please stop the reckless allegations and exposures aimed solely at tarnishing Governor Lee without a single piece of evidence, fact, logic, or basis," and stressed, "We will take legal actions such as filing complaints with the Korea Press Arbitration Commission and requesting investigations to stop fake news and faithfully carry out Gyeonggi Province administration."
Furthermore, he pointed out, "The report that there was almost a clash over seat allocation for Governor Lee at the Democratic Party’s executive meeting on the 9th is also shocking," adding, "Whether you ask Democratic Party officials, representatives from Lee Nak-yeon’s side, or Gyeonggi Province officials, such an incident never occurred."
He continued, "Only the warmth and cordiality of Representative Lee Nak-yeon and Governor Lee Jae-myung, who considered each other and warmly shook hands while exchanging kind words, can be confirmed," and introduced, "Former National Assembly Deputy Speaker Lee Seok-hyun, unable to endure the situation, criticized the fake news on Twitter, stating that he is a witness to the bogus report."
In conclusion, Spokesperson Kim said, "Governor Lee has repeatedly declared that he will steadfastly implement the reform policies promoted by President Moon Jae-in and uphold the values of democracy, justice, fairness, and peace presented by the Candlelight Revolution," and reiterated, "Since strategic fake news and baseless conspiracy theories are criminal acts that destroy democracy, we urge their immediate cessation."
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