South Korea ruling party split over Kim Eo-jun after prosecution deal claims
South Korea’s ruling party is locked in an internal dispute over broadcaster Kim Eo-jun after he raised claims about a so-called “prosecution dismissal deal” linked to President Lee Jae-myung on his YouTube program. Pro-Lee factions within the Democratic Party have turned the controversy into a broader challenge to Kim’s political influence.
The dispute centers on events at the National Assembly on December 13, when the Science, ICT, Broadcasting and Communications Committee was in session. Kim Eo-jun had just disclosed alleged information about a martial-law-era assassination squad and then left the meeting room, drawing immediate controversy and follow-up questions about his disclosures and sources.
A faction of the Democratic Party described as pro-Lee criticized Kim and a fellow program host, accusing them of spreading unfounded allegations and turning News Factory into a primary channel for unverified claims. They said those responsible should be accountable for the spread of fake or questionable information.
Kim Eo-jun responded by denying that the allegations had been pre-planned. He shifted blame to Jang In-su, a former MBC journalist who first reported the claims, and said that he would address any lawsuits as they arise, framing legal action as a test of credibility rather than admission of guilt.
Within the party, voices advocating caution toward Kim’s media appearances have grown. Some lawmakers urged a stricter separation between media platforms and political actors, while others suggested reducing Kim’s appearances. Park Chan-dae said there could be fewer appearances by politicians on Kim’s show, and Han Jun-ho called for a formal check on the relationship between the platform and elected officials. Song Young-gil also criticized the spectacle of lawmakers repeatedly appearing on a single YouTube channel.
Leadership at the party has stayed notably restrained. In Jeonbuk, a live meeting chaired by Democratic Party leader Jeong Cheong-rae focused on prosecutorial reform and did not address Kim Eo-jun or the controversy directly; reports noted that Jeong did not sign onto a parliamentary inquiry request related to the issue.
Outside the party, criticism extended beyond factional lines. Gwak Sang-eon, the Democratic Party member and son-in-law of late President Roh Moo-hyun, used his own YouTube channel to question Kim’s handling of the matter, suggesting the broadcaster was exploiting the memory of Roh to push a political agenda and linking the controversy to proposed reforms of the prosecutor’s office.
The Blue House reacted with disquiet, calling the allegations “highly inappropriate fake news” and saying they fall under the realm of press arbitration under Korea’s mediation law. A senior aide had planned to appear on Kim’s show but canceled following the backlash, citing scheduling issues.
Analysts view the episode as more than a single controversy. They say it reflects broader tensions over media influence in Korea’s political process, especially as the country pursues prosecutor reform and debates on media regulation. The episode highlights how a YouTube-driven media ecosystem can shape policy discourse and politics, with potential implications for U.S.-Korea ties, technology policy, and the stability of markets that rely on a predictable regulatory environment and a clear political signal on reform.