"President, Fighting!" Shouted Reporter... Cho Kuk: "That Bowing Reporter Belongs to OO"

Jokuk, quoting foreign reporter's tweet: "Bowing at President Yoon's feet like a cheerleader"

President Yoon Seok-yeol, having finished his summer vacation, is arriving at the Yongsan Presidential Office Building in Seoul on the 8th and giving a brief interview to reporters. [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Yoon Seul-gi] Amid controversy over a reporter shouting "President, fighting!" to President Yoon Suk-yeol during a morning Q&A session, former Minister of Justice Cho Kuk revealed the reporter's affiliation.

On the 8th, Cho shared a post on his Facebook from Rafael Rashid, a UK-born freelance journalist residing in Korea, stating, "'The reporter who was bowing like a cheerleader at President Yoon's feet' has been confirmed to be affiliated with OOOOO." The phrase "bowing reporter" used by Cho was a quote from Rashid's expression.

Former Democratic Party lawmaker Choi Min-hee also commented on Cho's post, saying, "I was really surprised. A reporter flattering the highest authority!"

Former Minister of Justice Cho Kuk shared a post on his Facebook on the 8th from Rafael Rashid, a British freelance journalist residing in Korea, on social networking service (SNS). Photo by Former Minister Cho's Facebook capture

Earlier, on the first day back at work after summer vacation, President Yoon responded to questions about approval ratings and plans for personnel reshuffles by saying, "Isn't the driving force of state affairs all coming from the people? I will re-examine and carefully consider all issues from the people's perspective."

In response, a reporter suddenly shouted, "President, fighting!" President Yoon smiled and gestured toward the reporter, saying, "Thank you."

The incident spread online through video footage and sparked debate. Critics argue that it is inappropriate for journalists, who serve as a check on power, to cheer for the president in an official setting.

Meanwhile, although former Minister Cho did not directly mention the reporter's name, the reporter's real name and photo were revealed in the comments of the post, along with numerous comments containing insults and criticisms directed at the reporter.