First Meeting of the Media Arbitration Act Council... Ruling Party and Opposition 'Tense' Over 'Disclosure'

On the 8th, participants shook hands at the first meeting and introductory session of the 8-member bipartisan consultative body discussing the amendment to the "Act on the Mediation and Relief of Media Disputes" held in the small conference room of the National Assembly's Steering Committee. (Photo by Yonhap News)

[Asia Economy Reporter Kum Bo-ryeong] As the ruling and opposition parties began re-discussing the amendment to the "Act on the Mediation and Relief of Damage in the Press" (Press Mediation Act) on the 8th, a tense standoff unfolded from the start.

The Democratic Party of Korea and the People Power Party held the first meeting of the "8-member consultative body" at the National Assembly at 3 p.m. that day to discuss the amendment to the Press Mediation Act. The consultative body consisted of Democratic Party lawmakers Kim Jong-min and Kim Yong-min, lawyer Kim Pil-seong, Professor Song Hyun-ju of Hallym University Media School, People Power Party lawmakers Choi Hyung-doo and Jeon Ju-hye, Professor Moon Jae-wan of Hankuk University of Foreign Studies Law School, and Dr. Shin Hee-seok of Yonsei University Law.

At the beginning of the meeting, they showed opposing views regarding whether the meeting should be open to the public. Lawmaker Choi said, "The meeting should be open so that journalists can know about the proceedings," and argued, "Since we are consulting and narrowing differences, it should be open out of consideration for the public." Lawmaker Jeon also said, "Since there is no stenography, if it is closed, there could be misunderstandings about what was discussed, so for efficiency, it should be open," adding, "If there are contents difficult to disclose, the consultative body can decide to close the meeting."

On the other hand, Lawmaker Kim Jong-min said, "If it is open, those watching us from behind will make it difficult to reach an agreement. It will become a debate representing vested interests, making frank discussions difficult," and added, "To discuss what should be done for the Republic of Korea, it should be closed and briefings given when necessary as a responsible approach." Lawmaker Kim Yong-min also said, "External experts need to express their opinions freely, but doing so continuously in an open setting imposes excessive responsibility." Ultimately, the meeting was held behind closed doors that day.

During the meeting, they discussed the upcoming schedule and key issues. After the meeting, Lawmaker Jeon told reporters, "We decided to meet almost every weekday. On the 9th at 4:30 p.m., on the 10th at 8 p.m., and from the 13th to the 17th at 3 p.m. daily. Also, on the 22nd to 24th at 3 p.m., and on the 26th at 4 p.m., the schedule was set." He added, "Regarding tomorrow's agenda, we narrowed down the issues to four main points: punitive damages system, presumption clauses for intentional or gross negligence, the right to request article viewing blockage, and the correction notice display. Each member will briefly organize their positions and grounds and exchange them."

The consultative body also plans to hold two to three public hearings. Lawmaker Jeon said, "At the public hearings, we will listen to opinions from the Press Mediation Committee, the media side, victims of false reports, and courts regarding compensation and standards."

Whether the meetings will be open to the public is expected to be decided on the 9th. Lawmaker Jeon said, "We will continuously exchange opinions until before tomorrow's meeting to decide on the openness."

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