[Joint Press Conference] Search and Seizure of Whistleblower Who Reported Internal Information to the Korea Communications Standards Commission

• Date: Tuesday, September 10, 2024 at 14:00
• Venue: In front of the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency
• Organizer: Joint Action to Stop Media Occupation
• Moderator: Kim Soo-jeong, Co-Chair of the Citizens’ Alliance for a Free Press

Seoul Metropolitan Police conducted raids on the offices of the Korea Communications Standards Commission (KCSC) and the National Union of Media Workers’ office, seizing mobile phones and raiding the homes of three employees. The raids were conducted following complaints filed by KCSC Chair Ryu Hee-rim, who is accused of instigating fake complaints to censor critical news reports during the 2022 presidential election.

Ryu allegedly used his connections to flood KCSC with complaints about news reports critical of then-presidential candidate Yoon Seok-yeol. This misuse of KCSC powers aimed to silence media criticism of the president.

Despite these serious allegations, the Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission passed the case back to KCSC. Additionally, the police have been slow to investigate Ryu’s alleged misuse of power, instead focusing on identifying whistleblowers. These responses of the governmental institutions prioritize concealing abuses over protecting the public interest.

Warning the state institutions, including the police and the National Human Rights Commission. To halt actions against whistleblowers and focus on investigating the misuse of KCSC powers. Have a responsibility to protect and support whistleblowers. Also warning that aiding in concealing Ryu’s actions could lead to accountability for those involved.

September 10, 2024

Joint Action to Stop the Media Takeover

Korean version text