Presidential Office "Regrets Malicious Editing of Unexpected Video"... YTN Officially Apologizes

Presidential Office: "Show a Responsible Attitude Yourself Before Asking for Legal and Ethical Accountability"
YTN: "Deep Regret for Causing Confusion Among Viewers and Presidential Office... Will Prepare Measures to Prevent Recurrence"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Ki-min Lee] The Presidential Office expressed "strong regret" toward YTN for malicious editing after the broadcaster produced content using rehearsal footage of the 1st National Task Inspection Meeting, which was live-streamed on the 15th, and aired it as a "surprise video." In response, YTN issued a statement saying, "We deeply regret causing confusion among viewers and related organizations, including the Presidential Office, due to this incident," and promised to establish measures to prevent recurrence.

Lee Jae-myung, Deputy Spokesperson of the Presidential Office, stated at a briefing at the Yongsan Presidential Office on the afternoon of the 19th, "I believe this act completely disregards the principles, promises, and customs that media outlets have upheld."

Deputy Spokesperson Lee said, "Technical checks such as order adjustments are naturally necessary for a live broadcast event lasting over two and a half hours," adding, "The President normally does not conduct rehearsals. Nevertheless, the President's anticipated responses during the technical check were natural content, as they reflect the President's usual philosophy." He continued, "The focus on education as a core of balanced regional development has been a consistent message from the President since the election," and added, "It is only natural that aides are aware of this; it would be strange if they did not."

Lee also said, "Before holding those responsible legally and ethically accountable, I hope those in charge of directing the surprise video incident will demonstrate a responsible attitude that aligns with journalistic ethics."

Earlier, YTN deleted footage used in the surprise video broadcast on the 16th that showed pre-meeting scenes of the National Task Inspection Meeting. YTN explained that upon confirming that the footage was produced using video that could not be used according to the internal guidelines of the broadcasting pool 'Korea Pool,' they promptly deleted it.

YTN expressed deep regret for causing confusion among viewers and related organizations, including the Presidential Office, due to this incident, and added that they will review their video utilization system through internal procedures such as the 'Broadcast Accident Countermeasures Committee' and prepare measures to prevent recurrence. YTN also announced on their website, "The surprise video <'Conversation with 'Some' Citizens> was produced using footage without usage rights and has been deleted," and warned, "Unauthorized reproduction or distribution of the video and captured images may result in legal action under copyright law and related laws."

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