Kim Hong-il Hearing Features Lee Seon-gyun Incident... "Public Broadcasters Also Sensationalize Reports"

Ruling and Opposition Lawmakers Criticize Privacy-Invasive Reports
Candidate Kim Hong-il: "Measures Will Be Taken to Prevent Recurrence"

At the confirmation hearing for Kim Hong-il, nominee for Chairman of the Korea Communications Commission, concerns were raised about the media coverage surrounding actor Lee Seon-gyun's drug use allegations.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

On the 27th, the National Assembly's Science, Technology, Information and Broadcasting and Communications Committee held a confirmation hearing for nominee Kim. On the same day, news broke of the death of actor Lee Seon-gyun, who was under investigation for drug use allegations. Lawmakers from both ruling and opposition parties questioned Kim about the disclosure of Lee’s suspect status and the sensational nature of the media reports.

Kim Byung-wook, a member of the People Power Party, argued, "Creating broadcasts and YouTube content with information unrelated to the criminal facts, causing the deceased to feel humiliated, is an issue the state must correct."

Kim added, "Without strengthening preemptive crackdowns and post-penalties against fake news spreading recklessly on broadcast and online platforms, tragic incidents like that of Lee Seon-gyun could happen again. Strict legal measures for preemptive crackdowns and post-penalties are necessary," he urged.

Hong Seok-jun, also from the People Power Party, said, "Seeing a person’s dignity destroyed by the disclosure of suspect status made me think our society is truly cruel," and emphasized, "If nominee Kim becomes chairman of the Korea Communications Commission, it is necessary to have clear standards on the disclosure of suspect status and fake news, and to thoroughly control related reports."

Park Chan-dae of the Democratic Party of Korea also stated, "Many citizens were shocked by Lee’s extreme choice," adding, "There are criticisms that investigative agencies and the media have become weapons against the public."

He pointed out, "There were 2,872 reports about Lee over three months. Even the public broadcaster KBS engaged in sensational reporting, indiscriminately exposing private conversations and personal life unrelated to the drug case."

In response, nominee Kim said, "I will take measures to prevent such incidents from recurring."