[Asia Economy Reporter Geum Bo-ryeong] Choi Jae-hyung, former head of the Board of Audit and Inspection and a presidential candidate from the People Power Party, criticized ruling party presidential candidates who support the 'Amendment to the Media Arbitration Act,' saying they are attempting to "inherit even the attempt to seize control of the media."
On the 30th, Choi posted on Facebook, "I believe that freedom of the press is one of the most important elements in democracy," and stated, "I will fight to stop the ruling party's attempt to seize control of the media."
The Democratic Party of Korea forcibly passed the so-called 'fake news' provision in the Media Arbitration Act amendment on the 27th at the National Assembly's Culture, Sports and Tourism Committee's Subcommittee on Culture and Arts Legislation, which imposes punitive damages up to five times on media outlets that publish false news.
Choi criticized former Democratic Party leader Lee Nak-yeon and Gyeonggi Province Governor Lee Jae-myung, who actively support the Media Arbitration Act amendment, saying, "These two candidates are faithful successors of the Moon Jae-in administration's failures. They even intend to inherit the Moon administration's attempt to seize control of the media." He warned, "If this continues, South Korea will eventually head down the path of quasi-totalitarianism. It will become a dictatorship without freedom of the press."
He further emphasized, "The amendment to the Media Arbitration Act is an attempt by the government and ruling party to gag the media. The amendment, which specifically imposes a punitive damages system in the media sector, has no similar legislative precedent among major foreign countries. The amendment is a media control law that aims to suppress even normal journalistic activities."
Choi also referred to an article in a British weekly magazine titled 'Characteristics of Countries Where Democracy is Regressing.' It included creating imaginary enemies by leaders, tying the hands of independent institutions (especially the judiciary), and controlling the media to manipulate public opinion. Choi pointed out, "The Moon Jae-in administration, which created imaginary enemies, continuously shook independent institutions such as the prosecution and the Board of Audit and Inspection, and even seized control of the judiciary, is now trying to strengthen its attempt to seize control of the media to maintain and extend its power."
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