KBS Denies 'Martial Law Broadcast Tip-off' Allegation, Citing "Severe Damage to Credibility"

"Union Deals Severe Blow to Director and KBS Credibility"
"Legal Action Will Be Taken If No Appropriate Measures Are Taken"

KBS has directly refuted allegations that the head of its news bureau received a tip about a 'martial law broadcast' two hours before President Yoon Suk-yeol declared martial law.

In a statement issued under the name of Choi Jae-hyun, head of the Integrated Newsroom, KBS stated, "The KBS branch of the National Union of Media Workers issued a statement on December 4 titled 'Those who collaborated with the main culprit of the rebellion, Yoon Suk-yeol, must leave KBS immediately,' claiming that I, as the head of the Integrated Newsroom, received a rumor from the Presidential Office about 'preparing a martial law broadcast' approximately two hours before President Yoon declared martial law."

KBS Headquarters. Yonhap News Agency

It continued, "As this is a matter concerning broadcasting scheduling and editing, which must be guaranteed strict independence and autonomy, I tried not to comment either way," but added, "Upon hearing that the National Assembly's Science, Technology, Information and Broadcasting Committee was conducting a current affairs inquiry on this issue and had summoned me and others as witnesses, I judged that I could no longer remain a bystander."

Director Choi emphasized, "I did not have any phone conversations with anyone from the Presidential Office two hours before the President's announcement. Until the actual announcement was made, I had no knowledge whatsoever of the content," and reiterated, "I clearly state again that I never received any tip related to martial law from the Presidential Office before the President's announcement."

He further stated, "The erroneous statement by the KBS branch of the Media Union has caused serious damage to my honor and the credibility of KBS News," and warned, "We demand a correction and apology, and if appropriate measures are not taken, we will not hesitate to take legal action."

Meanwhile, the KBS branch of the National Union of Media Workers' Strike Countermeasures Committee issued a statement on the 4th claiming that there were rumors that Director Choi received a tip from the Presidential Office about preparing a 'martial law broadcast' two hours before the martial law announcement. At that time, the union said, "If the rumor is true, Director Choi should resign immediately and face legal prosecution."

At that time, the union also criticized the special report on martial law as a "reporting disaster," claiming that KBS did not promptly activate a special report system after the martial law declaration, and while other broadcasters secured and aired footage from the National Assembly site, KBS wasted time with meaningless commentary such as the President's address.

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