Cheong, on Journalists Association's Criticism of Moon's Message: "Inappropriate Criticism"

The view of Cheongwadae from Namsan, Seoul on the 11th. Photo by Hyunmin Kim kimhyun81@

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] Regarding the criticism from the opposition parties centered around the so-called 'disembodied rhetoric' in President Moon Jae-in's congratulatory message on the founding of the Korea Journalists Association, the Blue House responded by calling it an "inappropriate criticism."

A Blue House official answered the press corps' question on the 18th, stating, "What the President mentioned in his congratulatory speech to the Journalists Association is a provision found in both the Constitution and the Press Act."

Earlier, President Moon, in his congratulatory message on the 57th anniversary of the Korea Journalists Association, said, "Freedom of the press cannot be shaken by anyone," which drew criticism from the media and opposition parties as a 'disembodied remark.' This was because he remained silent on the ruling party's forced passage of the amendment to the Media Arbitration Act.

In response, the Blue House official explained, "(Both the Constitution and the Press Act) strongly guarantee the freedom and independence of the press, but also clearly state the social responsibility that the press must not infringe on others' names or rights, public morals, or social ethics," adding, "The statement that 'freedom of the press is a pillar of democracy and fair and accurate reporting is even more precious' can be seen as an expression of that constitutional spirit."

He continued, "I have also seen articles suggesting that this conflicts with the situation regarding the Media Arbitration Act, but such criticism is inappropriate."

Regarding the possibility of 'With Corona' quarantine measures coexisting with COVID-19, he said, "Although experts and the media talk a lot about it, it is not being considered at this time," and added, "Perhaps a new quarantine strategy will be possible once the vaccination rate is sufficiently secured."

Concerning the calls for the dismissal of Defense Minister Seo Wook following the military sexual crime death incident, he said, "At present, I am not aware of or sharing any information regarding his position."

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