Joo Ho-young "Fake news is secondary harm to the bereaved... It does not help in managing the accident"

Joo Ho-young, floor leader of the People Power Party, is attending the party strategy meeting held at the National Assembly on the 1st and delivering opening remarks. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporters Lee Ji-eun and Kwon Hyun-ji] Joo Ho-young, floor leader of the People Power Party, raised concerns about the spread of fake news regarding the 'Itaewon Halloween accident,' calling it "secondary harm to the victims' families."

At the floor strategy meeting on the 1st, Leader Joo said, "Fake news not only causes secondary harm to the victims' families but also fosters distrust and results in significant social costs."

He pointed out past cases, saying, "We have experienced many fake news stories before, such as 'eating U.S. beef causes mad cow disease,' 'being fried by THAAD electromagnetic waves,' and 'fake news about the Sewol ferry colliding with a U.S. submarine,' to the extent that it is difficult to list them all."

Leader Joo added, "Not only do these use provocative words to incite, but since it takes considerable time to ascertain the truth and there is no one taking responsibility, negative consequences are expected. Accident videos are repeatedly shown on YouTube personal channels and public broadcasts, and as pointed out in psychiatry, this can cause psychological trauma. Therefore, I ask for strict adherence to reporting guidelines and special caution even in non-media spaces."

After the meeting, during a back briefing, Leader Joo also said, "Before responsible announcements based on accurate facts about the cause of the accident are made, posts appear on social network services (SNS) and the like. I receive many of these as well. There are even stories about 'poison gas,' but such things only divide public opinion and do not help in managing the situation at all."