President Lee Jaemyung's 100th Day Inauguration Press Conference
President Lee Jae-myung is answering questions at the 100-day inauguration press conference titled "100 Days for Recovery, Growth for the Future" held at the Blue House State Guesthouse on the 11th. Photo by Yonhap News Agency
On September 11, President Lee Jaemyung argued that fake news on platforms such as YouTube should also be regulated under the Media Arbitration Act. He also stated that punitive damages should not be imposed solely on the media.
During the 100-day inauguration press conference held at the Blue House State Guesthouse that day, President Lee made these remarks in response to a question regarding the Media Arbitration Act. The core of the Media Arbitration Act is the introduction of punitive damages against media outlets that publish false or manipulated reports.
President Lee pointed out, "There is a very small minority of individuals and groups who exploit freedom of expression and special protections to enjoy privileged status," adding, "If people achieve political goals, attack others, or gain economic benefits through fake news, the very system of democracy is undermined."
He continued, "Even in the United States, where freedom of expression is strongly protected at the constitutional level, very large compensations are awarded for clear cases of false and fake news," emphasizing, "Because of the significant influence and special protections, responsibility must accompany authority and rights."
However, President Lee clarified that this is not targeted solely at the media. Citing fake news on YouTube as an example, he explained, "If anyone, with malicious intent, deliberately creates or manipulates fake information to earn money or harm someone, they should be held liable for damages."
Regarding fake news on YouTube in particular, he questioned, "Aren't there people who attract attention, receive advertising, and increase views to make money? Should we just let that happen?"
President Lee further stated, "Whether it is due to gross negligence or not, if it was not done intentionally, there should be no punitive damages," adding, "My view is that the scope of regulation should be as narrow as possible, but if a case clearly falls within that scope, compensation should be enforced very strictly to prevent intentional wrongdoing."
During this process, President Lee also mentioned his own experience. He criticized, "I myself have been subjected to this a great deal. My son was working at a regular job, but because it was widely reported that he was employed at Hwacheon Daeyu (the company at the center of the Daejang-dong development corruption scandal), he still cannot get a job."
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