Song Young-gil: "I Will Remove the Clause Presuming Intentional Gross Negligence from the Media Arbitration Act"

Some Opinions Compromised Through 100-Minute Debate, but Significant Differences Remain

[Asia Economy Reporter Naju-seok] Song Young-gil, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, expressed on the 16th his intention to remove the 'presumption clause of intentional gross negligence' related to the Press Arbitration Act.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

On the same day, during the MBC broadcast '100-Minute Debate' with Lee Jun-seok, leader of the People Power Party, Song stated, "We intend to delete the presumption clause of intentional gross negligence." He explained, "Regarding intentional gross negligence, it can be sufficiently judged based on existing precedents," adding, "There could be unnecessary controversy, so we plan to adjust it."

Responding to this remark, Lee expressed optimism, saying, "If this happens, it means an agreement is reached."

Regarding the Press Arbitration Act, which is currently under discussion by an eight-member bipartisan consultative body, Song clearly stated that he will push for an agreement, but if that fails, he intends to proceed with the bill based on the discussions held so far.

Song said, "Even if we discuss it 11 times and fail to reach an agreement, unlike the original bill, we will process a revised bill reflecting the discussions," adding, "We can choose to filibuster, have a debate for and against, or hold a plenary session, but we plan to hold a plenary committee meeting."

In response, Lee opposed, saying, "Should we applaud even when the Democratic Party brings a proposal that is constitutionally unacceptable?"

Meanwhile, Lee criticized the issue of fake news, stating, "The distribution and production channels have diversified," and added, "There are criticisms that the political sphere produces fake news but does not make efforts for self-purification, instead only gagging journalists." Song also called on the opposition party to take the lead in amending the Information and Communications Network Act to punish fake news spread by internet YouTubers and others.

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