Ahn Cheol-soo: "We Need to Examine Yoon's Doorstepping Effect... MBC Requires Internal Reflection"

An "Jang Kyung-tae must take responsibility if he spread false information"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunju Lee] On the 23rd, Ahn Cheol-soo, a member of the People Power Party, commented on President Yoon Seok-yeol's suspension of door-stepping by saying, "It is a time when regular press conferences are necessary," and added, "Isn't it time to look into whether it was effective, what side effects occurred, and how communication can be further strengthened and developed?" MBC suggested, "It would be most desirable for there to be internal reflection and self-examination."

In an interview with BBS Radio that day, Ahn said, "If we get stuck on slippers, we may miss raising or solving more important fundamental issues."

He added, "Regarding the fundamental freedom of the press and journalistic ethics, the presidential office also needs to consider upgraded methods that guarantee freedom of the press and further strengthen communication with the public."

He strongly criticized Rep. Jang Kyung-tae of the Democratic Party of Korea for describing First Lady Kim Keon-hee's relief activities as 'poverty porn.' Regarding the presidential office's criminal complaint against Rep. Jang for spreading 'fake news' that harmed national interests, he emphasized that "all people are equal before the law" and that Rep. Jang must take responsibility.

Ahn stated, "There must be some measures against politicians using such words for political purposes; I think such incidents should never happen again." He continued, "Each country feels differently about the same words," and said, "Because cultures differ, if there was no consideration of that at all, I think it is not something a person in an important position in our country should say."