Kim Seung-won: "The People Sternly Command the Need for Media Reform"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeon Jinyoung] Kim Seungwon, a member of the National Assembly's Culture, Sports and Tourism Committee from the Democratic Party of Korea, urged the passage of the Media Arbitration Act on the 17th, stating, "The people are sternly commanding that media reform is necessary."

At the party strategy meeting held at the National Assembly that morning, Rep. Kim said, "We live in an era where the public can participate in the legislative, judicial, and executive branches. The fourth power, the media, must also be returned to the people."

He pointed out, "The public feels that the media is neglecting its social responsibilities and failing to protect the fundamental rights of the people. Nevertheless, the opposition party and organizations such as the Korea Newspaper Association are criticizing the amendment as a 'media gag law.'"

He continued, "If the media reports only what it wants to see and writes only what it wants to write, engaging in false or manipulated reporting or biased coverage, it will have to consider whether this violates the newly implemented Media Arbitration Act amendment. Whether the amendment will lead to media suppression or promote diligent reporting and fair, objective coverage for the protection of the people's fundamental rights is an issue that the public and I will continue to monitor closely even after the law's passage."

He added, "Through amendments to the Broadcasting Act, which has been in effect for 20 years, improvements to the governance structure of public broadcasting, and the Media Voucher Act that evaluates media capabilities for the public, we will surely achieve a balance between media freedom and responsibility."

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