Choi Jae-hyung "13 Opposition Presidential Candidates Must Unite Against 'Media Malpractice Law'"... Proposes Postponing Vision Presentation Meeting

Former Board of Audit and Inspection Chairman Choi Jae-hyung, a preliminary presidential candidate of the People Power Party, is announcing labor policy at his camp in Yeouido, Seoul, on the morning of the 20th. (Photo by Yonhap News)

[Asia Economy Reporter Kum Bo-ryeong] Choi Jae-hyung, former head of the Board of Audit and Inspection and a presidential candidate of the People Power Party, proposed postponing the vision presentation meeting and issuing a joint statement by 13 presidential candidates to block the passage of the amendment to the "Act on the Mediation and Relief of Damage in the Press" (Press Mediation Act).

On the 22nd, Choi said on Facebook, "The Democratic Party is determined to pass the 'press annihilation law,'" adding, "On the 25th, when the People Power Party presidential candidates hold their vision presentation meeting, the Democratic Party will submit this evil law to the plenary session of the National Assembly. Once the law passes, press freedom in the Republic of Korea will be finished."

On the 19th, the amendment to the Press Mediation Act passed the full meeting of the National Assembly's Culture, Sports and Tourism Committee. It is expected to go through the Legislation and Judiciary Committee on the 24th and be submitted to the plenary session on the 25th. Despite opposition from the People Power Party, the Democratic Party forced a vote on the amendment at the Culture, Sports and Tourism Committee's full meeting.

In response, Choi criticized, "The reason the Democratic Party is trying to pass such a law at the end of its term is obvious. Isn't it to cover up numerous allegations of power-related corruption committed during the Moon Jae-in administration?" He added, "This administration, which has already made the judiciary its servant, is trying to muzzle the press to attempt permanent rule."

He emphasized the need for a joint response from the People Power Party presidential candidates. Choi said, "The 13 presidential candidates of the People Power Party should unite as one instead of responding individually," and suggested, "Let's issue a joint statement criticizing the press evil law in the name of all the candidates."

He also expressed the view that the vision presentation meeting for the presidential candidates scheduled for the 25th should be postponed. Choi stressed, "The party should postpone the vision presentation meeting by a few days, and all candidates should go to the National Assembly to fight together with the party."

He concluded, "The Moon Jae-in administration's conspiracy for long-term rule will continue," urging, "Both the party and the candidates must unite their strength for regime change."

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