Foreign Media from France, Japan, etc. Report "Controversy Over South Korea's Media Arbitration Act Amendment"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Yuri] Foreign media from France, Japan, and other countries reported that controversy is arising over the ruling Democratic Party of Korea's proposed amendment to the 'Act on the Mediation and Relief of Damage in the Press (Press Mediation Act)' in South Korea.

The French daily Le Monde highlighted the controversy surrounding the amendment to the Press Mediation Act in its newspaper on the 27th (local time), stating that "excessive legislation threatens the credibility of the majority party, the Democratic Party." The Democratic Party stated that the legislation is being pursued "to establish public trust in the press and emphasize the importance of freedom of expression," but the opposition People Power Party criticized it, saying, "They are trying to control the media ahead of the presidential election."

Reactions from international press organizations were also introduced, such as "There is a risk it will be used as a tool for media suppression" (Reporters Without Borders, RSF) and "It will create an atmosphere of fear among journalists" (International Federation of Journalists, IFJ). The Seoul Foreign Correspondents' Club (SFCC) added that "In Korea, even if the reported content is true, one can be criminally punished or imprisoned for defamation," emphasizing that "Korea's media laws are already very strict."

Japanese newspapers also raised concerns that the ruling party's proposed amendment to the Press Mediation Act could lead to media control. The Mainichi Shimbun, in an editorial on the 29th, stated, "Although the ruling party claims the purpose is to provide relief from damage caused by fake news, there are concerns it could lead to media control." The newspaper mentioned the amendment's provisions, including punitive damages against the media, and pointed out, "The problem is that the criteria for judging intent or negligence are ambiguous," adding, "Nevertheless, the media is burdened with a strict responsibility of proof." It further analyzed, "This is interpreted as an attempt to curb major media outlets critical of the administration ahead of the presidential election in March next year." The newspaper criticized that people who fought against state media control during South Korea's military dictatorship and demanded democratization now occupy the core of the Moon Jae-in administration, yet "the current administration shows zero tolerance for criticism against itself."

The Sankei Shimbun also argued in an editorial titled "Media Control Bill, Where is South Korea Heading?" that the amendment to the Press Mediation Act "violates freedom of the press and contradicts the 'rule of law,' which binds rulers to the law." Earlier, on the 25th, the Asahi Shimbun expressed in an editorial titled "South Korea's Legal Amendment, Media Pressure is Unacceptable" that "since this is an issue related to freedom of the press, careful judgment is required," and stated that sufficient discussion must precede the amendment to the Press Mediation Act.

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