"Democratic Party's Hypocritical Claim Defending Traffic Broadcasting That Aired Regularly Despite Flood Damage"

Seoul Metropolitan Council People Power Party Representative Choi Ho-jung's April 14 Statement: "Seoul Metropolitan Council Democratic Party, Do Not Distort Facts"

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Jong-il] On the 14th, the Democratic Party of Korea in the Seoul Metropolitan Council issued a press release claiming that "the People Power Party in the Seoul Metropolitan Council is exploiting the flood damage for political gain."

In response, the People Power Party in the Seoul Metropolitan Council (Floor Leader Choi Ho-jung · photo) expressed strong regret on the 14th over the Democratic Party's unfounded claims misleading citizens.

First, the Democratic Party in the Seoul Metropolitan Council alleges that the People Power Party is politically exploiting the recent flood damage as a means to abolish tbs.

However, the fact is otherwise. The People Power Party in the Seoul Metropolitan Council has never advocated for the abolition of tbs. They are only pushing for the repeal of the ordinance that provides tax support from Seoul citizens to the traffic broadcasting station.

Even if the ordinance related to Seoul is repealed, tbs will continue to exist as a foundation corporation as it currently does. The People Power Party's argument is that instead of supporting tbs?which has fulfilled its historical mission?with 100 billion won in taxes over three years, it would be better to use that money more effectively in areas where citizens need it more.

The ordinance related to traffic broadcasting, promoted by the People Power Party, was submitted to the Metropolitan Council on July 4th. It has no relation to the recent flood damage.

The Democratic Party is urged to verify the facts properly.

Second, the Democratic Party in the Seoul Metropolitan Council claims that tbs was the only entity that played its role during the recent flood damage.

However, this is also not true. According to the People Power Party's findings, tbs began disaster-related programming only after 10 p.m. on the 8th, contrary to the Democratic Party's press release.

The situation on the 8th was as follows: At 12:50 p.m., a heavy rain warning was issued for the southeastern region of Seoul; at 4:40 p.m., a heavy rain warning was issued for the entire city; and at 6:30 p.m., the Eastern Arterial Road in Seoul was completely closed (according to the city’s press release).

The importance of the Eastern Arterial Road in Seoul traffic is widely recognized. Even after this main road was fully closed due to flooding, tbs continued its regular broadcast for more than three hours.

At around 8:30 p.m. on the 8th, flooding occurred in the Gyeongin Line section, causing significant inconvenience to commuters using Line 1.

However, at that time, the traffic broadcast did not reflect the citizens’ suffering.

At 9:10 p.m. that day, a flood advisory was issued for Daegokgyo Bridge in Gangnam-gu, indicating large-scale flooding in the Gangnam area. Even then, the traffic broadcast did not properly respond to the disaster.

The Democratic Party compares this to KBS and claims that only tbs responded properly. Just because KBS disappointed does not mean tbs performed well that day.

The Democratic Party in the Metropolitan Council is also urged to verify these facts properly.

Third, the Democratic Party in the Seoul Metropolitan Council advocates expanding public support for tbs in their press release.

This claim by the Democratic Party is identical to the statement issued by tbs on the 12th. Even the so-called facts presented in this press release are the same as those in the tbs statement.

The Democratic Party in the Metropolitan Council should clarify whether they represent the citizens or act as spokespersons for tbs.

As a public party in the Seoul Metropolitan Council, the Democratic Party should seriously consider whether it is appropriate to repeat, two days later, the one-sided claims issued by a Seoul-funded institution from their perspective.

The Democratic Party councilors should listen to the true public opinion of citizens regarding whether it is desirable to expand tax support for tbs, which has fulfilled its historical mission, or to reduce such support.

Investigate where citizens obtained information about the disaster situation and response during the recent flood damage.

Was it from tbs radio or the internet?

Blinded by partisan interests and ignoring the true public opinion of citizens, the Democratic Party must take responsibility for baselessly criticizing other negotiating groups in the Seoul Metropolitan Council with distorted claims.