Photo of Lee Dong-gwan in report on weapon rampage incident... YTN says "No intent"

Idong Gwanchok "Display Candidate Photos for More Than 10 Seconds"
YTN "Simple Mistake... Will Discuss Measures to Prevent Recurrence"

Lee Dong-kwan, the nominee for chairman of the Korea Communications Commission, demanded an apology regarding YTN, a news channel, displaying his photo while reporting on the Bundang stabbing incident. YTN stated that it was a "simple mistake with no intentionality."

On the 11th, Lee's side raised the issue, saying, "At around 10:45 p.m. the previous night, 'YTN News' displayed a photo of nominee Lee for more than 10 seconds in the anchorback (background screen during the anchor's commentary) related to the suspect Choi Won-jong in the Bundang stabbing incident, which was an absurd mistake." At that time, the broadcast screen showed Lee's photo along with the caption "Apologizing but showing delusional symptoms, Choi Won-jong... psychopathy judgment impossible."

On the night of the 10th, YTN News reported on a stabbing incident in Bundang and caused controversy by using a photo of Lee Dong-kwan, the nominee for the Chairman of the Korea Communications Commission. / Photo captured from YTN broadcast screen

Lee's side pointed out, "YTN only delivered a simple notice through the anchor at the end of the news saying, 'The background screen was mistakenly shown, and we ask for your understanding,'" adding, "It is not a responsible broadcasting attitude to dismiss this incident, which clearly damaged the nominee's reputation, as a mere mistake and nothing serious." They further stated, "We demand a detailed investigation and an apology from YTN."

YTN expressed regret, explaining that there was no intentionality. In a statement, YTN said, "We deeply regret the news graphic image error incident and apologize to viewers and nominee Lee Dong-kwan," adding, "We plan to hold a 'Broadcast Accident Countermeasures Committee' next week to discuss the specific circumstances, responsibility, and future prevention measures."

YTN added, "According to the internal investigation so far, it was identified as a simple mistake caused by poor communication between the PD and technical staff in the news control room during the broadcast, and we confirmed that there was no intentionality whatsoever," and "We will officially express our regret to viewers and nominee Lee Dong-kwan through a broadcast during the relevant time slot."

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