Show Lee Dong-gwan's photo in the background of Bundang stabbing news
Criminal complaint filed against CEO Woo Jang-gyun and executives
Evidence preservation and KCSC review also requested
Lee Dong-gwan, the nominee for chairman of the Korea Communications Commission, has filed a lawsuit seeking 300 million KRW in damages against YTN executives who aired his photo during the news coverage of the Bundang stabbing incident.
On the 16th, Lee's legal representative, the law firm Class, stated, "On the 10th, Lee filed a lawsuit in court seeking 300 million KRW in damages and applied for evidence preservation against YTN CEO Woo Jang-gyun and other executives who displayed the nominee's photo for about 10 seconds as the background image during the news coverage of the Bundang stabbing suspect. Additionally, a criminal complaint was submitted to the Mapo Police Station."
The law firm Class explained regarding the civil lawsuit, "YTN unlawfully used the nominee's portrait in connection with a heinous crime report unrelated to him, infringing on his portrait rights, honor, and other personal rights. Compensation is necessary for the severe mental distress the nominee suffered during this sensitive period ahead of the confirmation hearing."
Class further stated, "Considering YTN's status and influence as a news channel, the timing of the broadcast accident, and the fact that YTN had been conducting one-sided smear reporting against the nominee before and after the nomination during this sensitive period, it is evident that there was intent (or at least conditional intent) to defame and malign the nominee."
Lee also requested the Korea Communications Standards Commission to impose related disciplinary actions and filed a broadcast review application. Regarding the broadcast review application, it is their position that YTN clearly violated regulations concerning fairness, objectivity, infringement of portrait rights, prohibition of defamation, and maintenance of dignity.
Earlier, on the 10th at around 10:45 PM, YTN displayed the nominee's photo for about 10 seconds as the background image during the anchor's commentary on the Bundang stabbing suspect Choi Won-jong. The subtitle at the time read, "Apologizing but showing delusional symptoms, Choi Won-jong... psychopathy judgment impossible."
Following the incident, YTN issued a statement saying, "We deeply regret the news graphic image error to our viewers and nominee Lee Dong-gwan," and added, "We plan to hold a broadcast accident countermeasure committee meeting to discuss the specific circumstances, responsibility, and future prevention measures."
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
