[2020 National Audit] "Lee Hae-jin, Come Out" Opposition Lawmakers Launch Full-Scale Attack on Naver (Comprehensive)

"Portal Abuse Has Become a Harmful Weapon to the Public," Criticism Raised
"Naver's Manipulation of the National Assembly" Sparks Voices from Both Ruling and Opposition Lawmakers

People Power Party Whip Park Sung-joong, a member of the National Assembly Science, Technology, Information and Broadcasting and Communications Committee
[Photo by Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Jin-gyu Lee] Opposition lawmakers launched a full-scale offensive on the 7th during the National Assembly Science, Technology, Information and Broadcasting and Communications Committee (STIBC) audit, demanding that Lee Hae-jin, Naver's Global Investment Officer (GIO), be summoned as a witness. Additionally, a heated exchange between ruling and opposition party members over remarks made by lawmakers related to Naver's research forum led to a temporary disruption of the audit. The STIBC audit on this day proceeded without the heads of Naver and Kakao.

People Power Party Lawmakers: "Lee Hae-jin GIO, Come to the Audit"

Opposition lawmakers belonging to the STIBC repeatedly urged the summoning of Lee GIO as a witness during the audit, emphasizing the need to verify allegations of algorithm manipulation by Naver. Park Sung-joong, the People Power Party's floor leader, said, "Although no agreement was reached on summoning the heads of the two major portals as witnesses on the first day of the audit, I hope the ruling and opposition parties will reach a good agreement," adding, "Since Naver Shopping was fined by the Fair Trade Commission due to algorithm restructuring, the suspicions raised by the opposition and the media have been proven true."

Park also criticized, "In 2017 and 2018, Lee GIO said he would place the news editing function externally for public verification and would undergo external verification by the News Editing Advisory Committee, but none of these promises were fulfilled," adding, "Portal abuse has become a weapon that harms the public, and the people have become victims."

He continued, "We must investigate the three major abuses: unfair trade practices, media manipulation through news arrangement, and manipulation of search terms and public opinion, hold those responsible accountable for polluting South Korea with unfairness, and correct these wrongs," adding, "This is about creating policy alternatives for portals that have become Big Brother-like giants with dominant positions."

Kim Young-sik, a People Power Party lawmaker, also urged the summoning of Lee GIO, stating, "Issues with Naver's portal algorithm have surfaced," and "Since the problem has emerged, it is necessary to establish guidelines on this occasion."

Heo Eun-ah, another People Power Party lawmaker, pointed out, "You should conduct a health check on your own body, not someone else's," and questioned, "With the issue of Naver's search algorithm raised, can it be verified without the person involved present?" She also criticized, "Is Naver more powerful than the ruling party with 180 seats?" and called the denial of search algorithm manipulation "a blatant lie."

In response to the opposition's full-scale offensive, the ruling and opposition parties plan to discuss again the possibility of summoning Lee Hae-jin GIO at the comprehensive STIBC audit scheduled for the 22nd to 23rd. Lee Won-wook, chairman of the STIBC, said, "It is possible to make a decision by the 15th, before the comprehensive audit on the 22nd," adding, "The ruling and opposition floor leaders have agreed to discuss this thoroughly."

Temporary Disruption of Audit over "Naver's Parliamentary Manipulation" Remarks

Yoon Young-chan, Democratic Party of Korea lawmaker [Image source=Yonhap News]

A heated exchange between ruling and opposition lawmakers over remarks made by lawmakers related to Naver's research forum led to a temporary disruption of the audit.

The 'Digital Economy Research Forum (tentative name)' plans to conduct policy research to revitalize the digital economy during the 21st National Assembly. The forum idea originated from the Policy Department of the Korea Internet Corporations Association (KICA), chaired by Han Sung-sook, CEO of Naver. Lawmaker Yoon Young-chan of the Democratic Party of Korea expressed his intention to participate, and lawmakers from both ruling and opposition parties are involved.

Park Dae-chul of the People Power Party criticized this, calling it "collusion between power and portals," and said, "The chairperson of KICA is Han Sung-sook, CEO of Naver, and she actually controls it," adding that KICA had already prepared plans for appointing representatives and operations before the forum's launch, presenting documents prepared by the association as evidence.

Park claimed, "A parliamentary research group was promoted by KICA, an organization under the Ministry of Science and ICT," and "This can be seen as an attempt at commissioned legislation, and lawmakers are participating at the request of fellow lawmakers without even knowing that Naver is leading it." He further emphasized, "The Internet Corporations Association led by Naver is extending its influence to the National Assembly, attempting to exert power," and called for a thorough investigation into "Naver's parliamentary manipulation allegations."

In response, Yoon, a former Naver vice president and co-chair of the forum, said, "There are countless research groups created by the National Assembly in collaboration with external associations," and criticized, "Park's remarks condemn all these research groups and he should apologize." He added, "Is it reasonable to say that private companies manipulated lawmakers from both parties to create a forum and take over the National Assembly?" and raised his voice, "Are lawmakers puppets?" He also expressed regret over Park's condemnation of not only the ruling party but also opposition colleagues.

As the verbal exchange between ruling and opposition lawmakers continued, Chairman Lee eventually declared a suspension of the audit. After the audit resumed, ruling party lawmakers formally demanded an apology from Park. Woo Sang-ho of the Democratic Party of Korea pointed out, "Park's remarks damaged the honor of fellow lawmakers," and said, "In such a situation, the normal activities of the forum may become difficult, so Park should formally apologize."

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