Yoon's 10-Minute Speech on Diplomatic Achievements... Calls MBC "Fake News, Sowing Discord, Malicious" (Summary)

-Yoon's Longest Commute Q&A Since Inauguration... Cites Weekly Diplomatic Achievements One by One, Foreseeing 'Communication and Cooperation'
-Exclusion of Private Jet and Meeting with Specific Reporter Controversy: "Free Criticism, Unavoidable Measures... Personal Matter"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Bae Kyunghwan] On the 18th, President Yoon Suk-yeol made a strong statement regarding the exclusion of MBC from boarding the presidential aircraft during his Southeast Asia tour, saying it was "because they showed a very malicious behavior trying to sow discord in the alliance, a core pillar of national security, with fake news that is not based on facts." President Yoon specifically mentioned 'upholding the Constitution' and described it as an "unavoidable measure." He also emphasized, "Freedom of the press is important, but the responsibility of the media is very crucial as it is a pillar supporting democracy."

On the same day, while meeting reporters on his way to the Yongsan Presidential Office, President Yoon addressed the recent controversy over refusing MBC reporters to board during overseas tours, saying, "I hope you freely criticize. I accept all criticism from the media and the public and am open," but explained, "It was an unavoidable measure as part of the president's responsibility to uphold the Constitution." He continued, "The media, along with the legislative, judicial, and executive branches, is one of the four pillars supporting democracy," and defined MBC's report as 'fabrication,' asking, "For example, if the judiciary fabricated evidence that was not factual to make a ruling, you wouldn't say 'the judiciary is an independent institution, so you shouldn't raise issues,' would you?"

He also gave his stance on calling specific media reporters aboard the presidential aircraft during the tour. When asked by reporters about criticisms such as 'media control,' President Yoon replied, "It is a personal matter. I did not respond to the coverage." When further questioned, "But it was still a public space," he avoided the answer by saying, "Any other questions?"

When an MBC reporter repeatedly asked, "What was distorted?" in response to President Yoon's remarks, he turned away without answering. During this, a staff member from the presidential office criticized the follow-up questioning attitude, causing some commotion.

That day, President Yoon handled the longest Q&A session since his inauguration, mentioning one by one the diplomatic achievements of the past week, including the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit and the Group of Twenty (G20) Summit. President Yoon evaluated, "It can be called a diplomatic week," and said, "Thanks to the support of the people, we were able to smoothly carry out consecutive important diplomatic events." Regarding the Korea-China summit, he said, "I think it went smoothly," and added, "Going forward, high-level officials will meet and communicate to enhance cooperation on mutual economic and security issues."

Regarding the meeting with Crown Prince Bin Salman held for the first time at the presidential residence the day before, he evaluated, "It was a very pleasant atmosphere as it showed the personal space of a national leader in its own way, which has separate significance." He added, "The residence was built 54 years ago. Although it was remodeled, I thought it might have been somewhat insufficient for hosting foreign dignitaries." The decision to hold the meeting with Crown Prince Bin Salman at the residence was made by President Yoon and his wife. When asked about what was discussed during the 40-minute private talk, President Yoon replied, "It is a bit inappropriate to disclose what was discussed in a private talk with a foreign leader."