[Reporter’s Notebook] Companies Requesting Protection for Their Sources

[Asia Economy Reporter Moon Chaeseok] "Please protect the sources. Obviously, do not mention the company name or even the industry."

Regarding the article published by Asia Economy on the 30th titled 'Carbon Emission Rights Burden on Companies Wipes Out One Year’s Operating Profit,' related companies and organization officials unanimously requested anonymity. The reason was the fear of being targeted by the government.

Unless it is a highly sensitive nuclear phase-out policy that attracts intense interest from the political sphere and stakeholders, it is rare for them to ask to conceal even the industry. This is evidence of how much they are watching the government's stance. Their concerns are not unfounded.

Last April, there was a rumor that the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy sought out sources following media reports that the refining industry appealed for government support due to the COVID-19 pandemic and low oil prices.

From the perspective of companies that must consider the main government ministry, even such rumors force them to 'keep quiet' and 'be cautious.' A single wrong word could mean having to constantly watch the ministry’s attitude.

However, problems are not solved simply because companies remain silent.

The steel, cement, petrochemical, and refining industries are identified as major carbon-emitting sectors. They are the key players developing new technologies necessary for 2050 carbon neutrality, such as hydrogen reduction steelmaking technology and Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS) technology. It is only natural for these key players to express their opinions on government policies. On the contrary, ministries should listen carefully to their voices.

Some cynics respond that after the COVID-19 crisis and the ruling party’s landslide victory in the 21st general election, with a 'supermajority + big government,' who would dare to speak candidly about policies favored by the Blue House and the Democratic Party of Korea?

Ministries must produce clear results for policies pushed by the Blue House and ruling party, and companies must worry about the ministries’ sentiments. Is this really normal?

The reason companies use the media is to promote favorable policies such as deregulation and to raise complaints about unfavorable issues, demanding that their opinions be reflected in policy-making.

The government issues hundreds of press releases daily. They release materials under the names of 'explanation,' 'clarification,' and 'rebuttal' not only for factual inaccuracies but also for reports that differ from policy intentions. They have countless cards to check other actors.

The technologies necessary for carbon neutrality are developed by companies. If the government does not properly listen to companies’ messages that regulations hinder technology development, not only will the pace of carbon neutrality slow down, but the government will also face criticism for violating the principle of checks and balances.

According to the '2020 Corruption Perception Survey Results' announced by the Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission on the 28th, the public gave political parties and legislative integrity a score of 2.64 out of 10. The government should recognize that public trust in laws and policies is not high.

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