Controversy Over `Freedom Of The Press`

Roh Moo-Hyun, a presidential hopeful of the Millennium Democratic Party (MDP), insisted that, “The Donga Ilbo and Chosun Ilbo should not interfere in the MDP`s presidential nomination race,” in a joint speech during the Incheon primary on 6th. Critiques blame that his speech denied a basic freedom of the press.

Roh also argued that, “Although the Donga Ilbo pressured me to give up my belief to limit major stockholders` stock ownership of the press, I never bent my opinion.” However, while the Donga Ilbo continuously requested him to present a concrete example, Roh did not give any evidence.

Responding to his speech, the Donga Ilbo requested Roh`s clear explanation and apology for his speeches on the Donga Ilbo`s `interference in the MDP`s race` and `pressure to give up his opinion to limit shareholders` ownership.` The newspaper also announced that, if Roh dose not accept its request, it will take a legal action, in an official news briefing on 7th.

Ñ Roh`s speech = After the Incheon primary, Roh said, “The press should not report a groundlessly exaggerated article, which is designed to influence on the race. It is not a right way for the press to interfere in an election through irrational, exaggerated, and fabricated reports,” in a news conference.

Although the reporters officially asked him to reveal a detailed example of the pressure, Roh just said that, “Even though no one had been pressured on me directly, some reporters had been asked me whether I would keep such a position, and I felt them as pressure.”

Yoo Jong-Pil, special advisor to Roh Moo-Hyun on press, also argued yesterday that, “Several times, the Donga Ilbo took actions that we have felt as pressure,” without any instance.

Roh said, “If I have talked about closing of newspaper company, it might be the Choson Ilbo. It should not be the Donga Ilbo,” during his meeting with reporters of the Donga Ilbo at his house in Myungryun Dong, Seoul, on 7th.

Meanwhile, Roh announced a statement, `my position on recent press issues,` just before the North Gyeongsang Province primary on 7th. “My sayings at the party were in the level of light chat. But one of the attending reporters reported them with fabrication and exaggeration, such as seeking state ownership, shutting down, or expelling of the owners of the Donga Ilbo.”

Ñ The opposition party`s criticism = Lee Jae-Oh, Floor Leader of the Grand National Party (GNP), said that, “A presidential hopeful`s saying to shut down the Donga Ilbo, which has been survived even under the Japanese colonial regime, is an action to shaking the foundation of a nation. We will summon Roh at the Culture and Tourism Committee of the National Assembly to investigate his sayings.”

Nam Kyung-Pil, Spokesman of the GNP, said that, “A person who thinks to shut down a private newspaper with political power is not a democrat. Roh should apologize for his speeches that have been deceived the people, opposition parties, and press, and resign his candidacy.”

Nam continued, “Roh said that it is hard to defend the GNP and Chosun Ilbo`s slander. But it is definitely a false claim and defamation. If he does not make an apology, we will take a legal action.”

Young-Hae Choi issong@donga.com