"Yoon's National Address is False and Fake News," Lee Jun-seok Files Complaint with Korea Communications Commission

Lee Jun-seok on the ‘12·12 National Address’ Broadcast
“It Constitutes False and Manipulated Content, Requesting Prompt Review”
Complaint Filed with the Korea Communications Standards Commission on the 13th

On the 12th, citizens at the Seoul Station waiting room are watching the urgent statement regarding President Yoon Suk-yeol's declaration of martial law. Photo by Kang Jin-hyung

Lee Jun-seok, a member of the Reform New Party, reportedly requested the Korea Communications Standards Commission (KCSC) to conduct an expedited review, stating that President Yoon Suk-yeol's "December 12 National Address" broadcast constitutes false and manipulated content.

According to a report by Hankyoreh on the 16th, the KCSC received such a complaint on the 13th. Lee stated, "President Yoon Suk-yeol's national address was broadcast on December 12 by major public broadcasters including Munhwa Broadcasting Corporation (MBC), as well as comprehensive programming channels and most media outlets," adding, "(The broadcast of the address) distorted the truth and presented unclear content as facts, violating Article 9 (Fairness) and Article 14 (Objectivity) of the 'Broadcasting Review Regulations.' It poses a significant risk to social integration and public order, so I request an expedited review for fake news (false and manipulated content)," explaining the reason for filing the complaint.

On the 12th, citizens at the Seoul Station waiting room are watching the urgent statement regarding President Yoon Seok-yeol's declaration of martial law. Photo by Kang Jin-hyung

Earlier, on the 13th, during a plenary meeting of the National Assembly's Science, Technology, Information and Broadcasting and Communications Committee (STIBC), Lee questioned Lee Hyun-joo, Secretary-General of the KCSC, asking, "If my office reports President Yoon Suk-yeol's address as fake news, will you conduct an expedited review?" The 'expedited review for fake news' is a procedure to prioritize the review of a specific agenda. Lee argued, "Did the president not spread excuses and fake news through the address? The president claims he never obstructed lawmakers' access, but the police prevented me from entering the National Assembly. Naturally, this should be subject to review."

The KCSC usually reviews complaints in the order they are received, following standard procedures. However, Chairman Ryu Hee-rim has institutionalized the 'expedited review for fake news.' If there is agreement from either the chairman alone or at least three review committee members, the agenda is submitted for expedited review. The KCSC's 'Fake News Center,' launched in September last year, was suspended after three months amid controversies over silencing criticism of the administration and expanding internet media reviews, after which the expedited review for fake news became established. Attention is focused on what decision the 'Ryu Hee-rim KCSC,' which has emphasized expedited reviews for fake news, will make regarding Lee's complaint.