Chosun Ilbo's Mention of 'Jo Guk Father and Daughter Illustration' by Chu Mi-ae: "Media Reform Must Be Hastened"

"Former Minister Cho Kuk Openly Hated"
"Demonic Editing Must Be Overcome Through Direct Approach"

Former Minister of Justice Choo Mi-ae is giving a speech declaring her candidacy for the 20th presidential election at a studio in Heyri, Paju, Gyeonggi Province on the 23rd. / Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Juhyung] Former Minister of Justice Choo Mi-ae, who declared her candidacy for the presidency, recently referred to the controversy sparked by the Chosun Ilbo’s use of an illustration of former Minister of Justice Cho Kuk’s family in an article related to prostitution, urging for "an expedited media reform."

On the 24th, Choo wrote on her Facebook, "I will create a world where people are respected through straightforward methods, a country that elevates its people," adding, "A half-hearted apology from the Chosun Ilbo is not enough."

She continued, "Human rights are equal for everyone. We must establish justice, fairness, and the rule of law one by one within the realm of human rights protection," and asserted, "We must break through the devilish editing of the Chosun Ilbo, which indulges in privilege, foul play, discrimination, exclusion, hatred, and distortion, through straightforward methods."

Earlier, at around 5 a.m. on the 21st, an article titled 'Three-person group who lured into prostitution and robbed wallets' was published in the Chosun Ilbo, featuring an illustration of a woman wearing a black hat pulled down, holding a cellphone to her ear. This illustration closely resembled the appearance of Cho Min, former Minister Cho Kuk’s daughter, as captured by the media in the past.

An article related to prostitution that featured an illustration reminiscent of former Minister of Justice Cho Kuk and his daughter. / Photo by Facebook

There were also claims that the back view of a man in a suit standing in the center of the illustration bore a strong resemblance to former Minister Cho Kuk. As the controversy grew, the Chosun Ilbo apologized on the 23rd, stating, "The reporter in charge mistakenly published the image after only seeing an illustration list featuring one woman and three men," and "We were also negligent in supervision. We sincerely apologize to the Cho Kuk family and our readers."

In response, former Minister Choo criticized, "If we remain silent about the Chosun Ilbo, which openly hates former Minister Cho Kuk and his family and blatantly practices dehumanizing and inhumane discrimination and exclusion, the harm could happen again to anyone who becomes a target," adding, "We must not comfortably leave it to the individuals who suffered to handle on their own but confront it head-on."

She emphasized, "The media moves public opinion and is a public good already supported by enormous taxpayer money," and "It is not the exclusive property of the owner."

She then urged, "The Democratic Party should hasten media reform for a world where people are respected, not one ruled by barbarism."

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