Choi Minhee: "Ignoring the Collective Intelligence of 2.23 Million Subscribers?"
Kwak Sangeon: "YouTube Power Is Wielding Political Power"
Recently, Assemblywoman Choi Minhee of the Democratic Party responded to criticism from fellow party member Kwak Sang-eon, who argued that the party is overly reliant on Kim Eo-jun's broadcasts. Choi countered, "Why are so many people acting this way when Kim Eo-jun, who was forcibly removed from TBS, is the host? What is everyone so afraid of?"
On September 9, Choi posted on her social media account, stating, "There is a long history of political power being swayed by the Chosun Ilbo," and added, "We need to analyze why the main counterpoint to the Chosun Ilbo is not the Hankyoreh or Kyunghyang, but rather 'Kim Eo-jun's News Factory.'"
Chairman Minhee Choi Speaking on the Significance of the Launch of the Special Committee on Media Reform. Photo by Yonhap News.
She went on to say, "Remember when we were anti-Chosun, they used to say there is always a reason for being number one? Why do you ignore and criticize the 'collective intelligence' of News Factory's 2.23 million subscribers?" she remarked sarcastically.
Previously, on September 8, Assemblyman Kwak Sang-eon targeted Kim Eo-jun's 'News Factory' and other pro-Democratic YouTube channels, stating, "YouTube power is wielding political power," and added, "I have no intention of bowing my head to those people in my political career."
On both September 7 and 8, Kwak shared articles on his social media that criticized Kim Eo-jun's YouTube broadcast, explicitly stating, "YouTube power is wielding political power."
A photo of Assemblyman Kwak Sang-eon appearing on Kim Eo-jun's News Factory in May last year, taking a picture together. Kim Eo-jun's News Factory SNS
The article in question analyzed that, over the past year, 119 incumbent lawmakers appeared on Kim Eo-jun's YouTube channel: 106 from the Democratic Party, 9 from the Cho Kuk Innovation Party, and 4 from other pro-government parties or independents. Kwak cited a report noting that only 65 Democratic Party lawmakers had not appeared on News Factory in the past year, and said, "I, Kwak Sang-eon, am one of those 65."
It is understood that while Kwak did appear on Kim's broadcast during the general election period in April last year and into May, he has not participated since then.
He added, "If these YouTube broadcasts are considered 'YouTube power brokers,' I have no intention of bowing my head to them in politics." However, he also softened his tone toward fellow lawmakers who appeared on the program, saying, "Of course, I do occasionally watch these broadcasts and sometimes support them depending on the content."
Kwak further pointed out, "In the past, media outlets not only influenced political power but also intervened in nominations and candidate selection," adding, "During the 2002 Democratic Party presidential primary, candidate Roh Moo-hyun clearly stated, 'Chosun Ilbo should stay out of the Democratic Party primary.' Things are not much different today."
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