Korean media regulator to probe News Factory amid prosecutorial reform tensions

On December 13, 2024, Hong Ik-pyo, the Cheong Wa Dae senior secretary for political affairs, said an investigation by Korea’s broadcasting and communications regulator into Kim Eo-jun’s News Factory is likely to proceed. He called the allegations of a “deal to drop charges” tied to the show “extremely inappropriate fake news” and said the claim threatens to undermine public trust in government and policy.

Hong linked the controversy to broader tensions within the Democratic Party over prosecutorial reform, scolding the party for not behaving like a ruling party. He urged the party leadership to resolve internal disputes quickly and to demonstrate disciplined, government-grade leadership.

During appearances on KBS, he said the party would respond appropriately at the national level, even as he anticipated scrutiny by the regulator over News Factory. He noted that News Factory and its broadcasting company are registered as a media entity, implying that proper procedures would apply in any investigation.

The aide described the Blue House atmosphere as “unbelievably” off-balance and said there was little time to respond to baseless claims, yet stressed the seriousness of the fake-news charge given potential erosion of public trust.

He articulated that the Blue House does not plan to take action against a specific media outlet, adding that such decisions should be left to the relevant agencies and not directed from the presidency.

On the episode involving Rep. Jung Cheong-rae demanding a public apology from Kim Eo-jun, Hong suggested the move related to the participation of an external panelist, framing the reaction as a personal response rather than a formal, government-ordered measure.

Hong also addressed reports that a senior Blue House official canceled an appearance related to Kim’s YouTube program, acknowledging, “the person who canceled was me,” and explaining that an unavoidable, full-day schedule compelled the change.

Regarding prosecutorial reform, he argued that with the Democratic Party now in power, it should act in step with its role as the governing party. He urged coordination within the government and party to present credible reforms that rebuild public trust, noting that the second government re-legislation proposal was effectively the party’s position and should be revised by the party with clear, rational alternatives. He closed by citing Rep. Jung Cheong-rae’s pledge that the party would take responsibility and reach a timely decision.

Context for international readers: News Factory is a long-running Korean talk show hosted by Kim Eo-jun, whose program has been at the center of political controversy. The discrepancy over prosecutorial reform touches several pillars of South Korea’s policy landscape, including judiciary independence, government accountability, and media regulation. The Korea Communications Standards Commission (KCSC) oversees broadcast and online content, while Yeouido in Seoul houses the National Assembly and is a central hub for Korean political decision-making.