Journalists Association, Commemoration Ceremony for the '16th Journalists' Day'

[Asia Economy Reporter Seulgina Cho] The Korea Journalists Association held the ‘16th Journalists’ Day’ commemorative ceremony on the afternoon of the 20th at the International Conference Hall on the 20th floor of the Press Center located in Gwanghwamun.

Kim Dong-hoon, President of the Korea Journalists Association, stated, “In May 1980, in defiance of the new military government’s censorship, the executive committee of the Korea Journalists Association refused the martial law command’s censorship starting at midnight on May 20 and launched a unified production boycott struggle,” adding, “To inherit the upright spirit of journalists at that time, then-President Jeong Il-yong officially designated May 20 as Journalists’ Day in February 2006.”

He continued, “The upright spirit of senior journalists remains a noble value that must be upheld without change,” emphasizing, “On Journalists’ Day, we will ▲ not neglect the media’s fundamental functions of criticism and surveillance, ▲ criticize without exception any external forces attempting to infringe on press freedom, including political and capital powers, and ▲ never compromise with unethical and immoral owners.”

The ‘Spirit of the Journalist’ award, established to commemorate Journalists’ Day, was presented to Kim Joong-bae, Chairman of the Newstapa Together Foundation.

The Korea Journalists Association explained the reason for the selection: “Mr. Kim Joong-bae, who began his journalism career at Hankook Ilbo, left a significant mark across the media industry by serving as CEO of Dong-A Ilbo and The Hankyoreh, and later as CEO of MBC, crossing both print and broadcast media. He symbolizes journalists who resisted with their whole being for press freedom during harsh times.”

President Moon Jae-in conveyed in a congratulatory message, “It was because of the courageous actions of the ‘Jeonnam Maeil Newspaper’ journalists who submitted their resignations in defiance of dictatorship, censorship, and media control, and the Korea Journalists Association’s refusal of censorship, that the truth of May could come to the square,” adding, “Our media will awaken the spirit of the times, convey only the truth unwaveringly, and always stand with the people.”

Lee Boo-young, Chairman of the Foundation for Free Press Practice, said in his congratulatory speech, “On Journalists’ Day, I think the media needs a firm vision and determination.” Ko Seung-woo, representative of the 1980 Dismissed Journalists Association, stated, “The media must take the lead to ensure the Gwangju spirit is practiced and advanced, and the media must also show autonomous efforts to clear its own shadows,” adding, “I hope that through such occasions, we can empathize and feel the necessity of public discourse.”

Pyo Wan-soo, Chairman of the Korea Press Foundation, called out the names of journalists dismissed in May 1980 one by one, saying, “Rather than a day to celebrate and be celebrated, Journalists’ Day should be an opportunity for us to reflect on ourselves,” emphasizing, “Freedom without responsibility is no different from license.”

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