National Assembly Starts Investigation into Samsung Electronics Executive Impersonating Reporter, Legal Action if Necessary

Representative Ryu Ho-jeong: "After Requesting Samsung Electronics Vice President as Witness, Executive Visited Office Daily with Press Pass"
Secretary-General Kim Young-chun: "Fact-Finding Investigation Underway... Legal Action If Necessary"

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeon Jin-young] Kim Young-choon, Secretary General of the National Assembly, stated that he has "initiated a fact-finding investigation" regarding a Samsung Electronics executive who abused the National Assembly press pass issuance system to freely enter and exit the National Assembly, and expressed his willingness to take legal action depending on the outcome of the investigation. Ryu Ho-jeong, a member of the National Assembly's Industry, Trade, Energy, Small and Medium Enterprises Committee from the Justice Party, revealed at a press conference the previous day that after applying to summon a vice president as a witness concerning allegations of technology theft by Samsung Electronics, a Samsung Electronics executive used a National Assembly press pass to enter and exit lawmakers' offices daily.

On the 8th, Secretary General Kim issued a statement saying, "I strongly regret this incident."

He emphasized, "The company involved must also show a responsible attitude toward uncovering the truth of this incident," and added, "We declare that legal measures may be taken if necessary depending on the results of the investigation."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

He continued, "The validity of the press pass for the reporter affiliated with the media outlet involved in this incident has been suspended," and added, "To prevent recurrence, we will gather opinions from the media and experts to prepare reasonable system improvement measures."

Lee Bok-woo, Director of Public Relations Planning at the National Assembly Secretariat, who read the statement on the day, told reporters, "We plan to send an official letter requesting necessary documents such as employment status at Samsung Electronics," and said, "So far, Samsung Electronics has not apologized to the National Assembly."

The Justice Party visited the Secretary General's office on the same day, delivering a protest letter urging countermeasures, stating, "Samsung Electronics has mocked the National Assembly."

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