Former President Moon Raises 'Media Criticism Book': "Freedom of the Press Has Become Logic for Media Privilege and Power"

Revealed While Introducing a Book on Facebook

Former President Moon Jae-in warned that the "paradoxical reality of press freedom" poses a "threat to democracy."

On the 13th, former President Moon introduced the media critique book The Paradox of Press Freedom and the Dilemma of Journalism through his Facebook, expressing this view.

A scene from the documentary film 'Moon Jae-in.'
[Photo by M Project]

Former President Moon stated, "Press freedom has become even more urgent for democracy," adding, "The paradoxical reality where press freedom serves as a shield for irresponsible journalism against false reports, fake news, and biased manipulated information seriously threatens democracy."

He continued, "However, on the other hand, press freedom is becoming a logic for the privileges and empowerment of the media," and elaborated, "The opposing arguments that hindered the Press Arbitration Act, which aimed to increase the social responsibility of the media, also shrink press freedom."

Former President Moon explained his motivation for reading the book, saying, "I was curious about how media scholars view this paradox of press freedom."

Regarding the book, former President Moon recommended it, saying, "It is a book jointly researched and authored by five members, including Professor Jeong Jun-hee of the Korean Association for Journalism and Communication Studies," and added, "It is a valuable media critique for this era. It will greatly help to clear common misunderstandings about press freedom and to develop a proper perspective."

[Photo by Moon Jae-in, former President, Facebook]

Earlier, the documentary film I Am Moon Jae-in, featuring former President Moon as the main subject, received an outpouring of support ahead of its release. The distributor M Project began fundraising on the crowdfunding platform Tumblbug from the 10th to secure screening venues.

The target amount was 30 million won, but as of the afternoon of the 11th, more than 100 million won had already been raised. The funding period lasts until the 19th.

The film captures former President Moon's life in Yangsan, Gyeongnam, after stepping down in May last year. It highlights the figure of Moon Jae-in through interviews with those who have been close to him throughout his life?from his days as a lawyer, through his roles as Senior Secretary for Civil Affairs at the Blue House, Chief of Staff to the President, party leader, and finally president?amid numerous evaluations and recognitions. It is also reported to include 10 hours of interviews with former President Moon himself.