Former KBS reporter Lee Young-pung criticized the silence of the media industry, stating, “Even during the harsh days of authoritarian regimes, the pens of reporters were alive and the spirit of fact-checking remained; where have all of South Korea’s reporters, PDs, and announcers gone now?” The photos show the 1987 exclusive coverage of the Park Jong-chul torture-death case (bottom right), student protest rallies (bottom left), and headlines from an extra edition (top). / Photos = Yonhap News, JoongAng Ilbo, online capture. 

The sharp and poignant remarks by former KBS reporter Lee Young-pung (pictured) have recently gained renewed attention on social media (SNS) during the Chuseok holiday, deeply resonating with and providing comfort to patriotic citizens concerned about the current state of the nation. 

At a press conference held by the "Citizens' Group for Stopping the Broadcasting, Media, and Communications Commission" at the National Assembly Communication Hall in Yeouido, Seoul, at 2:40 PM on the 30th of last month, former reporter Lee criticized the government and the ruling party’s forceful push for legislation despite controversies over "media control," directly stating, "If there are any members of the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU) media union among those filming and reporting here, I hope you will reflect and wake up." 

Former KBS reporter Lee Young-pung. Video capture. Lee, who runs the YouTube channel 'Lee Young-pung TV', raised his voice to ask, "South Korean media is dying; is it enough to just pay union dues, receive job security, and get your paycheck while the country collapses?" He then urged journalists to reflect on their calling, adding, "I suspect there is a 99% chance this interview or broadcast won't be aired, but I am crying out because someone is watching."

He continued by saying, "In 1987, a JoongAng Ilbo reporter broke the news of the Park Jong-chul torture-death case, and reporters from the Dong-A Ilbo followed up with further coverage. Even during the harsh days of authoritarian regimes, the pens of reporters were alive and the spirit of fact-checking remained. Where have all of South Korea’s reporters, PDs, and announcers gone now?" he said, sharply rebuking the current state of silence in the media industry.

He appealed to them, saying, "If you have a conscience, look into what the problems with this evil law are and inform the public," and delivered a stinging remark: "If you don't do that, you are just proving why people call you 'giregi' (a derogatory term for trashy journalists)." 

Finally, he declared, "We reject with our whole being the situation where the South Korean media is being seized under this evil law system," and strongly demanded the withdrawal of the bill. 

Meanwhile, the event was moderated by Park So-young, co-representative of the citizens' group, with remarks from co-representative Joo Jo-seop. Following Lee's speech, Secretary-General Kim Eun-hye gave remarks, and co-representative Park read a statement. Co-representative Shin Min-hyang and other members were also in attendance. 

They claimed, "Media control is the beginning of Lee Jae-myung’s dictatorial government," and strongly demanded, "Withdraw the Broadcasting, Media, and Communications Commission Act, the final decision for the Lee Jae-myung government’s permanent seizure of the media." 

Link: https://youtube.com/shorts/eTwimcc--FU?si=nLwRaAIwdTNIDwvV