YouTube Power Intervenes Throughout the Entire Election Process
Blatantly Sides with Certain Candidates and Gains Financial Benefits
Sang-eon Kwak, member of the Democratic Party of Korea, and Eo-jun Kim. Sang-eon Kwak Facebook, Eo-jun Kim's News Factory YouTube
Kwak Sangun, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea and the son-in-law of former President Roh Moo-hyun, has continued his criticism of "YouTube power." Kwak has previously stated, "I have no intention of engaging in politics by bowing my head to YouTube power," pointing out political YouTubers such as Kim Eojun, which has also drawn backlash from ruling party lawmakers.
On September 26, Kwak Sangun stated on his Facebook page, "I spoke about the 'distorted political reality where YouTube power wields political authority,' and addressed the 'absurd reality where following the opinion of a particular individual is called democratic,'" opening his remarks.
Nevertheless, according to Kwak, some people became furious simply because he pointed out the facts, and they repeatedly slandered him with baseless accusations and intentional disparagement through their YouTube channels. He further argued that becoming enraged and hostile toward someone who speaks the truth is itself an admission that YouTube broadcasters have now become power holders.
Kwak stated, "YouTube power constantly intervenes in politics, and when election season arrives, it wields political influence in even stronger and more blatant ways. Politicians are ultimately subject to evaluation through elections, but YouTube power already exerts overwhelming influence from the very first gateway to elections."
He also expressed the view that all politicians are victims of the unfair political influence exercised by YouTube power. He criticized, "These YouTube power brokers directly intervene in nominations, opinion polls, and election campaigns for the camps they support. They repeatedly broadcast programs that openly promote their chosen candidates and attack their rivals."
He continued, "They even receive consulting fees from candidates or use their platforms for commercial advertising, gaining economic benefits. This undermines fair competition, distorts politics, and even raises suspicions of criminal conduct," he said.
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