"'A Newspaper Writing Such Editorials' Hankyoreh Contributor Hong Sehwa Criticizes 'Prosecutor-Media Collusion' Editorial"

"I am ashamed to have my article published in a newspaper that writes such nonsense"

Hong Sehwa. [Photo by Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Han Seung-gon] When the Hankyoreh newspaper published an editorial criticizing the Prosecution Investigation Deliberation Committee's recommendation not to indict Prosecutor Han Dong-hoon, Hong Se-hwa, a columnist for the newspaper, voiced criticism, calling it "a newspaper that writes such editorials."

Hong is a progressive intellectual famous for his book I am a Taxi Driver in Paris, written while driving a taxi in Paris during the 1980s dictatorship era. He also served as a former planning committee member of the Hankyoreh and has contributed columns such as the "Hong Se-hwa Column" to the newspaper for many years since 1999.

On the 25th, Hong introduced the Hankyoreh editorial titled "From Lee Jae-yong to Han Dong-hoon, the Investigation Deliberation Committee Became a 'Shield for the Privileged Class'" on his Twitter and criticized it as "astonishing."

Editorial of The Hankyoreh dated the 25th

Hong wrote, "To link Han Dong-hoon with Lee Jae-yong (Vice Chairman of Samsung Electronics)! Rather than sticking to the facts, they seem to be hoping that, just as President Yoon Seok-youl was suspected of receiving villa hospitality, there was actually collusion between the prosecution and the media." He added, "Then investigate and reveal it! Stop beating around the bush!"

He also said, "I am ashamed to have even mediocre writings published in a newspaper that writes such editorials."

The villa hospitality suspicion involving President Yoon mentioned by Hong refers to the Hankyoreh's report last October on the "Yoon's villa hospitality suspicion," for which the newspaper apologized in May for "inaccurate reporting." President Yoon sued the reporter for defamation by publication, but withdrew the lawsuit after the apology.

Former Channel A Reporter Dong-jae Lee [Image Source=Yonhap News]

Earlier, on the 24th, the Supreme Prosecutors' Office Investigation Deliberation Committee issued an opinion regarding the "prosecution-media collusion" suspicion, recommending continued investigation and prosecution of former Channel A reporter Lee Dong-jae, but suspension of investigation and non-indictment for Prosecutor Han.

In response, the Hankyoreh editorial stated, "It is not normal for an advisory body created by the prosecution itself to repeatedly issue opinions that contradict court rulings," and criticized, "The role of the Investigation Deliberation Committee is to protect the powerless who suffer from abuse of prosecutorial power, but it is lamentable that it has instead become a shield for the privileged class."

The Hankyoreh added, "The core of this case lies in whether the prosecution and media colluded to politically sensationalize the issue ahead of the general election. If true, it is a grave problem of political intervention by the prosecution through targeted investigations beyond inappropriate collusion between prosecution and media." It also noted, "The investigation team has not even completed the first round of questioning of Prosecutor Han, nor started forensic analysis of the seized mobile phone. Demanding suspension of the investigation under these circumstances is beyond common sense."

Meanwhile, as Hong voiced criticism toward progressive media, former Dongyang University professor Jin Joong-kwon responded, saying, "Mr. Hong Se-hwa is still going strong."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.