Participatory Government Should Defend Itself from Press Oppression

President Roh Moo-hyun cautioned that Cheong Wa Dae staff should be careful in their dealing with the press on Saturday saying, "We should defend ourselves from some media outlets’ oppression and envy. The former government failed to protect itself from media attacks and as a result, was dealt a serious blow."

During a speech at a workshop of presidential staff at Cheong Wa Dae, he said, "The press has highly concentrated power. However, people have not verified it. Unchecked and unverified power is very dangerous."

"Those who wield power in the press are inheriting their power so it is difficult to expect such power is fair," Mr. Roh said.

He requested the Cheong Wa Dae staff to distance themselves from media companies, saying the times when government workers and reporters go drinking together and government workers that thank reporters for good press should end.

"In the process of my election, I was faced with a lot of difficulties, and now I am trying to reform the press with a firm resolution,” the president said, suggesting his disappointment about news reports that presidential aides lower than Class 3 will be classified as independent contractors. He continued, “Some of you drank with reporters and gave them tips that should not be revealed. I felt very betrayed."

Jeong-Hun Kim jnghn@donga.com