Choi Hyung-doo "Media Reform Law Could Be Used by Those in Power to Block Press Coverage"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Naju-seok] Rep. Choi Hyung-doo of the People Power Party expressed concerns that the ruling party's proposed media reform law could allow large corporations and powerful figures to muzzle media coverage.

On the 9th, Rep. Choi appeared on MBC Radio's "Kim Jong-bae's Focus" and said, "(The ruling party) claims that all reasons for changing the media law are for the people," adding, "If that happens, there could be issues where powerless citizens cannot be protected."

Rep. Choi voiced these concerns in response to suggestions that if a punitive damages system is introduced for the media, the criminal litigation aspect might be streamlined.

He pointed out, "In criminal cases, the prosecution or police public authorities respond," and "If it is clearly false information, citizens do not have to bear their own litigation costs. (On the other hand) civil cases are really expensive." Rep. Choi added, "When filing a civil lawsuit, you have to pay for delivery fees and lawyers, and those costs are high and proportional to the claim amount," emphasizing, "As a result, there is skepticism and worry about whether ordinary citizens can use civil lawsuits to increase the amount of damages claimed."

Furthermore, he warned, "It could also become a tool for large corporations or wealthy power holders to block follow-up or in-depth reports."

Regarding the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism's announcement that it will not use the circulation numbers from the ABC Association, Rep. Choi said, "There is no precedent for this worldwide," and added, "If there is a clear problem, it should be addressed, but we should not commit the mistake of burning down the thatched cottage to catch a flea."

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