'How Much Property? Who Are the Social Contacts?' Controversy Over Excessive Demands in Presidential Office Press Accreditation Requests

'Request for Statement of Identity', Spouses and Children's Assets to Be Reported in '10,000 Won' Units
Spokesperson's Office Explains "Same Space as Presidential Office... Enhanced Security Standards Applied"
Criticism That the Purpose of Relocating the Office to "Strengthen Communication with the Public" Has Been Undermined

President-elect Yoon Suk-yeol is meeting with Philippe Lefort, the Ambassador of France to Korea, at the Presidential Transition Committee office in Tongui-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, on April 27. Photo by Transition Committee Press Corps

[Asia Economy Reporter Kang Juhee] The spokesperson office of President-elect Yoon Seok-yeol is facing controversy for requesting detailed information such as asset size and acquaintances while accepting applications for press accreditation to the presidential office. The Yoon camp explained that this was due to enhanced security measures following the relocation of the presidential office. However, some criticize it as an excessive invasion of personal privacy.

On the 3rd, the spokesperson office of President-elect Yoon announced a related form requiring submission of a "personal information statement" for applying for press accreditation to the presidential office. This form requires reporters to list their own and their spouse’s and unmarried children’s assets divided into real estate, movable property, and debts, recorded in units of 10,000 won. There is also a section to provide information on the occupations and residences of parents, spouse, children, and spouse’s parents.

Moreover, information about family members residing in North Korea and the occupations and contact details of acquaintances were also requested. In the case of acquaintances, there is a risk of exposing sources. Additionally, information on political party and social organization activities that could reveal the reporter’s political orientation must be specified in detail, including duration and position held. At the bottom of the form, it is stated that providing false or omitted information may result in disadvantages under the National Public Service Act and related laws.

Partial identity statement of reporters announced by the spokesperson office of President-elect Yoon Seok-yeol. / Provided by the Presidential Transition Committee

In response to protests from some reporters, the spokesperson office of President-elect Yoon explained, "Unlike the existing Chunghwadae Press Center, the new press room is located in the same space as the presidential office, so enhanced security standards are applied," adding, "There was negligence in the content verification process when announcing the more reinforced personal information statement form." They said the information request was made for security and protection reasons. However, criticism arose that requesting private information to the extent of understanding family assets and the reporter’s political orientation was excessive.

There were also criticisms that this did not align with the new government’s explanation that the presidential office would be relocated from Cheongwadae to the Ministry of National Defense building in Yongsan-gu, Seoul, to strengthen communication with the public. President-elect Yoon has previously criticized Cheongwadae for being isolated and security-focused, which hindered communication with the public. The relocation of the presidential office was the first task Yoon pursued immediately after his election to overcome these issues and enhance communication. However, the controversy over excessive personal information collection from journalists has been criticized for undermining the very purpose of this office relocation.

As the controversy spread, the spokesperson office of President-elect Yoon issued a new form excluding the problematic sections such as assets, acquaintances, and family members residing in North Korea.

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