[Insight & Opinion] The Shin Hakrim Transcript and the Challenges of Media Reform

The controversy over the conversation transcript between Kim Man-bae and Shin Hak-rim and the distorted reporting is adding a new variable to the political landscape. The People Power Party, led by then-candidate Yoon Seok-yeol, which was targeted by the distorted reports, is condemning it as a serious crime of national disorder with the utmost severity. Kim Ki-hyun, leader of the People Power Party, likened it to first-degree murder and labeled it a presidential election manipulation gate. The Democratic Party is countering by accusing Kim and the People Power Party of threatening the media with extreme rhetoric.

The People Power Party is demanding a parliamentary investigation into the circumstances of the transcript and the distorted reporting. However, the Democratic Party argues that what is truly needed is a parliamentary investigation into the Yoon Seok-yeol administration’s media suppression and attempts to control broadcasting. The Democratic Party, in response to the People Power Party’s use of extreme terms such as national disorder, election manipulation gate, and first-degree murder, is condemning them by asking, "Are the Yoon Seok-yeol administration and the People Power Party trying to run South Korea through fear? Are they trying to create a country where the media remains silent out of fear of the regime’s sword dance?" Although there are intertwined issues that need to be clarified, it is clear that this is an offensive point for the government and ruling party. It has become a new issue that overshadows the ideological war points that had been on the defensive.

The controversy over the transcript and distorted reporting involves several complex issues. First, NewsTapa’s report on March 6, 2022, is clearly confirmed to have distorted and edited the recorded content. It is not just twisting but can be considered fabricated reporting. Only the issue of responsibility remains. Other broadcasters and media outlets that reported based on this also bear corresponding responsibility. It is currently unknown whether NewsTapa’s distortion stemmed from individual prejudice or intent, or if there was collusion with political forces behind it.

The nature of the conversation transcript between Kim Man-bae and Shin Hak-rim is also subject to investigation. Those who view it with suspicion see it as a recorded material fabricated to disguise natural conversation for the purpose of election manipulation. Kim Man-bae and Shin Hak-rim claim that the conversation was a natural one between the two, secretly recorded by Shin Hak-rim. They also claim that Shin Hak-rim unilaterally used it as a press release. Regarding some false facts that became the basis for the distorted reporting, they explain that it was not a preparatory work for distortion but rather exaggeration due to boasting. This remains a task to be clarified later, but the unreasonable explanation that 165 million won was exchanged for the price of three books is enough to arouse suspicion of different intentions between the two.

It is currently difficult to mention any involvement of then-candidate Lee Jae-myung’s camp or the Democratic Party. It is a serious issue that cannot be easily concluded. Some senior members of the People Power Party claim involvement and define it as an ‘election manipulation gate.’ Of course, it is still a ‘gate’ to be uncovered in the future. It is uncertain how much can be clarified through investigation, but it is expected that the controversy over the involvement or responsibility of the transcript parties, the media, and especially the political circles will intensify for the time being.

Separately from whether it is a manipulation-level gate, the controversy over the false reporting of Kim Man-bae’s transcript draws attention again to the reform tasks of our media. This refers to the problem of our media being excessively politicized to the extent of distorting the function of the press. Even the media that informs the facts or truth should not take their political side as the measure of all things. It remains to be seen whether the new chairman of the Korea Communications Commission, Lee Dong-gwan, can contribute to breaking the vicious cycle of ‘public broadcasting’s regime bias.’ This is a starting point to gauge the direction of media reform involving government intervention.

Kim Man-heum, Distinguished Professor at Hansung University, Former Director of the National Assembly Legislative Research Office

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