JTBC Male Reporters 2, Sexual Harassment of Female Reporters from Other Companies During Overseas Business Trip... "Deep Apology"

Incident Occurred During Business Trip for Agreement with Mongol Reporters Association
Korea Reporters Association and JTBC Each Launch Fact-Finding Investigation

The Korea Journalists Association and JTBC have each launched an investigation into allegations that two male JTBC reporters, who were on an overseas business trip dispatched by the Korea Journalists Association, sexually assaulted two female reporters from another media outlet.

View of the new building of JTBC Sangam in Mapo-gu, Seoul [Image source=Yonhap News]

According to the Journalists Association on the 15th, the association selected four reporters and dispatched them to Mongolia for a 4-night, 5-day trip starting from the 9th, under an agreement with the Mongolian Journalists Association for joint climate and environmental coverage between Korea and Mongolia. The sexual assault incident reportedly occurred after attending a banquet hosted by the Mongolian Journalists Association on the 12th.

On the same day, the Journalists Association issued a statement titled “Korea Journalists Association’s Position on the Sexual Harassment Incident Involving Journalists Dispatched Overseas,” stating, “We belatedly became aware of an unfortunate incident at the local site,” and added, “To conduct a thorough investigation of this incident, we have first instructed the involved reporters to submit written statements and are currently ascertaining the details.”

The Journalists Association expressed its commitment to doing its utmost to prevent secondary and tertiary damages. After clarifying the facts, if necessary, a disciplinary committee will be convened to handle the matter strictly.

JTBC also posted a statement on its website on the same day, saying, “We have received reports that both reporters who returned from the business trip engaged in inappropriate behavior toward accompanying reporters from other companies,” and added, “The individuals involved have been immediately removed from their duties.”

Furthermore, JTBC explained, “The company has begun reviewing the written statements submitted by them and has initiated an official investigation and disciplinary procedures.”

JTBC conveyed, “We deeply apologize for this matter. Our company takes this issue very seriously and will handle it swiftly and strictly.”

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