"Conspiracy Theory Loudspeaker and Favoritism"... People Power Party Criticizes Media Coverage During Impeachment Crisis

People Power Party's Media Committee Forum
"Fake News and Biased Reporting Fueling Conflict"

The People Power Party has criticized media coverage related to the impeachment crisis of President Yoon Seok-yeol. They claim that biased reporting favoring certain political factions and the spread of fake news are causing confusion and fostering public conflict.

The People Power Party's Media Special Committee held a forum on the 23rd at the National Assembly Members' Office Building in Yeouido, Seoul, under the theme "Fair Reporting Patterns and Issues During the Impeachment Political Crisis." Photo by Choi Yuri

On the 23rd, the People Power Party's Special Media Committee held a forum at the National Assembly Members' Office Building in Yeouido, Seoul, under the theme "Fair Reporting Patterns and Issues in the Impeachment Crisis."

During the forum, concerns were raised that current reporting on the impeachment crisis is spreading fake news. Rumors such as President Yoon Seok-yeol fleeing and First Lady Kim Keon-hee visiting a plastic surgery clinic on the day of martial law are being indiscriminately circulated. Lee Sang-hwi, chairman of the People Power Party's Special Media Committee, pointed out, "Currently, public broadcasters are either amplifying conspiracy theories without verifying accurate facts or reinforcing the frames of specific political factions."

Issues regarding biased reporting were also raised. It was claimed that pro-impeachment rallies were broadly reported as involving "citizens," whereas anti-impeachment rallies were described as being held by "conservative-leaning groups." Oh Jeong-hwan, former head of MBC's news division, who presented on the topic "Media Distortion and Bias After the Impeachment Motion ? Focusing on MBC," interpreted this as an attempt "to undermine President Yoon's image by mocking and attacking him, calling him the 'leader of a rebellion,' thereby preventing him from serving as a unifying figure for the right-wing." Kim Jang-gyeom, a member of the People Power Party's Special Media Committee, also criticized, "Public broadcasters emphasizing only one side's voice or excluding opposing opinions in their reporting is a major factor weakening social trust."

Concerns were also expressed that such reporting behavior is causing unnecessary public conflict. Kwon Young-se, emergency committee member of the People Power Party, said, "The biased reporting behavior exhibited by some media outlets is deeply concerning," adding, "It not only seriously distorts the political voices of the people but also fosters unnecessary social conflicts, making it difficult to avoid criticism."

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