JTBC Denies Allegations of Involvement in Western District Court Riot, Announces Legal Action Against False Claims

"Confirmed: The Reporters Mentioned Were at Different Locations"

As allegations have emerged that a JTBC reporter participated in the rampage at the Seoul Western District Court, JTBC announced it would take legal action, calling the claims "false information."

President Yoon Suk-yeol was arrested on charges of leading an insurrection, and a day after some supporters broke into the Seoul Western District Court causing an illegal violent incident, traces of damage remain at the Western District Court in Mapo-gu, Seoul, on the morning of the 20th. Photo by Jo Yong-jun

On the 20th, JTBC released a statement saying, "The rumors currently circulating online, including claims that a masked individual holding a fire extinguisher and attempting to break glass doors or a man who kicked open a judge's office door is a JTBC reporter, as well as articles citing these rumors, are all malicious fabrications."

They added, "It has been clearly confirmed that the reporters mentioned were at different locations, not the Western District Court, at the relevant date and time. The individuals who actually committed violent acts will all be identified through a thorough police investigation. JTBC has already submitted the original footage filmed on that day to the court."

JTBC also emphasized, "The footage capturing the riot situation inside the judges' chambers and other areas within the court was recorded by other members of the JTBC Newsroom team, not the reporters mentioned in the false information. No one involved in the on-site coverage participated in any violent acts."

Regarding the reporting process, JTBC explained, "While covering the area around the Western District Court, we discovered some movements aimed at identifying and harming a specific judge. We judged it necessary to closely investigate and report on this, which led us to follow the procession of rioters inside to film."

JTBC stated, "We are currently collecting baseless online posts and articles from some media outlets that have been created and circulated. Regardless of individuals or organizations, we will take strong civil and criminal legal action against all those who write and distribute related content."

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