Presidential Office Files Consecutive Complaints Against Opposition Figures... "Responding with Responsibility to Indiscriminate Spread of Unverified Facts"
[Asia Economy Reporter Bae Kyunghwan] The Presidential Office is strengthening its tough stance against fake news. Within just half a month, it has directly filed complaints against two opposition figures, establishing a zero-tolerance principle toward fake news and aiming to make legal actions a regular practice. It is reported that President Yoon Seok-yeol also expressed discomfort over the spread of fake news stemming from repeated allegations and mentioned the responsibility that follows.
On the 7th, a senior official from the Presidential Office stated, "Unverified facts are being mentioned by public figures and indiscriminately spread through platforms like YouTube, eventually being discussed even in the National Assembly repeatedly," adding, "All aides agree that this is an act that undermines the foundation of democracy, and from now on, we will respond to fake news according to law and principles."
The day before, the Presidential Office filed complaints against former Justice Party lawmaker Kim Jong-dae, who raised suspicions that a fortune teller familiar with President Yoon and his wife was involved in the relocation process of the presidential residence, and broadcaster Kim Eo-jun, who interviewed him. The Presidential Office stated, "Because no legal action was taken, the issue kept circulating and fake news transformed into seeming reality," and added, "We cannot allow democracy to be damaged by fake news that imposes a shamanism frame without objective evidence and creates something out of nothing."
The Presidential Office’s reaction to fake news appears to have become more sensitive after President Yoon stopped his morning Q&A sessions (doorstepping). Starting with filing a complaint against Democratic Party lawmaker Jang Kyung-tae, who raised suspicions that photos taken during First Lady Kim Geon-hee’s Cambodia trip were a 'studio-concept shoot,' the office has consecutively taken legal actions against specific individuals. At that time, the Presidential Office strongly opposed, saying, "It directly infringes on diplomatic national interests and harms the rights and interests of the people," and "It is difficult to overlook."
President Yoon also took direct action. At a meeting with scholars from the National Academy of Sciences earlier this month, he said, "I strongly agree that digital norms must be established to eradicate fake news and protect democracy." During the meeting, there was even a comment that "advanced democracies are suffering from fake news and irrational tantrums." Earlier, during the so-called 'Cheongdam-dong drinking party' allegations, President Yoon expressed strong dissatisfaction with fake news, saying, "Low-level and childish fake news agitation is disrespectful to the people."
The Presidential Office is concerned that after the suspension of the morning Q&A sessions, the reduction in occasions where President Yoon directly expresses his position has led to various allegations being raised and expanded into news. Especially since 'fake news' is a fundamental reason for the suspension of the morning Q&A, they now intend to hold those who spread fake news accountable by attaching the condition 'if true.'
Among the aides, there is also an opinion that faster responses are needed to fake news that damages national interests. A representative example is the recent suspicion that President Yoon gave up hosting the 2030 Busan World Expo in exchange for winning the 670 trillion won 'NEOM City' construction project in Saudi Arabia. At that time, the Presidential Office immediately responded, calling it "a self-harming remark that insulted diplomacy and harmed national interests."
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
