[2021 National Audit] Ruling Party and Opposition Clash Over Right to Request Access Blocking

Lee Seok-hyung, Chairman of the Press Arbitration Commission, Emphasizes the Need for Introduction and Receives Warning

Rep. Choi Hyung-doo of the People Power Party is attending and speaking at the 8th meeting of the Media Arbitration Act Consultative Group held at the National Assembly on the 17th. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

The clash between the ruling and opposition parties over the amendment to the Media Arbitration Act continued during the National Assembly's Culture, Sports and Tourism Committee's audit. On the 18th, Lee Seok-hyung, chairman of the Media Arbitration Commission, mentioned the necessity of introducing the right to request viewing block, one of the key issues in the amendment, during his work report.

He stated, "There is a claim that viewing is blocked based solely on the victim's unilateral assertion, which is a form of prior control, but this is a misunderstanding of legal principles," and argued, "It is not prior control but a post-remedy measure." He added, "The consent of the media company is essential in the mediation process, and the effect only takes place once the mediation is confirmed," emphasizing, "There is no issue of infringing on freedom of the press."

The right to request viewing block is mentioned as a means to minimize damage caused by the re-spread of false reports even after corrections or rebuttals are made, given the nature of the internet. The media academia expresses concerns about potential infringements on freedom of the press and freedom of business, as it essentially amounts to article deletion. The opposition party, People Power Party, also lists it as one of the 'three major toxic clauses' of the Media Arbitration Act, along with the presumption of intentional or gross negligence by media companies and punitive damages.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Choi Hyung-doo, a member of the People Power Party, criticized Chairman Lee's claim as "bad behavior forcing the institution's interests on the National Assembly." When Jeong Cheong-rae of the Democratic Party of Korea defended by saying, "It is only natural for the Media Arbitration Commission to talk about difficulties and request cooperation from the National Assembly," Bae Hyun-jin of the People Power Party protested, saying, "It is problematic for a specific lawmaker to rebut on behalf of the chairman of the Media Arbitration Commission in the form of a question."

As voices grew loud for a while, Lee Chae-ik, chairman of the Culture, Sports and Tourism Committee, calmed the chamber and requested caution from Chairman Lee. He pointed out, "The right to request viewing block is an issue where the ruling and opposition parties have differing opinions," and added, "It was unwise to categorically state that there is no issue of infringing on freedom of the press." Chairman Lee responded, "I apologize."