Korea Election Commission: "Live and Recorded Broadcasts of Binary Debates by Broadcasters Not Allowed"

The National Election Commission Issues Advisory Ruling Prohibiting Broadcasts of Bipartisan Debates
Live Broadcasts and Full Video Recordings by TV Stations Deemed Illegal
Only YouTube Live Streams Operated by Political Parties and Candidates Allowed

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Han Jinju] The National Election Commission has issued a legal interpretation stating that a 'one-on-one debate' between Democratic Party candidate Lee Jae-myung and People Power Party candidate Yoon Seok-youl cannot be broadcast live.

According to political circles on the 29th, the Election Commission stated in response to inquiries from the negotiation teams of both parties that live broadcasting and full video recording of the one-on-one debate are illegal. Broadcasting via media companies' YouTube channels or posting the full video is also prohibited.

Due to a court injunction, the 'TV one-on-one debate' through joint broadcasting by broadcasters has also been halted. It was interpreted that live or recorded broadcasts by a specific broadcaster violate the intent of the law.

The Election Commission allows the debate to be broadcast live on YouTube channels operated by the candidates themselves, and the live broadcast URL can be posted on each party's official website. Filming the debate for use in news reports is permitted.

Reporters, aides, and filming personnel from media companies may attend the debate venue. However, audience members such as spectators or YouTubers are not allowed to attend.

Lee Jae-myung and Yoon Seok-youl have scheduled the one-on-one debate for the 31st but have yet to reach an agreement on the debate format. On February 3rd, the first four-party TV debate featuring People Party candidate Ahn Cheol-soo and Justice Party candidate Sim Sang-jung is scheduled to take place.

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