The Korean Press Ethics Committee has issued a mass 'caution' to reports surrounding actor Kim Soo-hyun and the late Kim Sae-ron.
In its 997th meeting, the Press Ethics Committee addressed 25 media outlets for their coverage on the so-called 'Kim Soo-hyun Prevention Law', citing violations of the Press Ethics Practice Guidelines, specifically the 'Principle of Headlines' and 'Respect for Honor and Credit' among others, and issued a unanimous 'caution'.
The controversial articles emerged in early April, following a petition to the National Assembly by a petitioner who named the petition 'Kim Soo-hyun Prevention Law', calling for an increase in the age for statutory rape charges. These outlets used the petition's name in their headlines and body text verbatim.
The media outlets that uncritically relayed or directly quoted the petitioner's claim that "Kim Soo-hyun's grooming sexual offense against the minor Kim Sae-ron has outraged the public" received cautionary measures.
The Press Ethics Committee pointed out, "Quoting the petitioner's unilateral claims or using the bill's name attached to Kim Soo-hyun's name as article titles can stigmatize an individual as a criminal in situations where the facts have not been established."
Previously, in its 996th meeting, the committee had issued 'caution' to 14 online articles that sensationalized YouTube channel exposes following Kim Sae-ron's death, for violating guidelines against sensational reporting, respect for honor and credit, and privacy protection.
These articles, with provocative headlines like "Kim Soo-hyun's nude photos at girlfriend's house" and "Kim Soo-hyun naked, dishwashing at Kim Sae-ron's home", were judged to have potentially defamed characters and invaded privacy by presenting YouTube video contents as facts.
The Press Ethics Committee criticized, "Translating one-sided exposes from YouTube channels without counterarguments, and adding sexually suggestive headlines, does not reflect a responsible media attitude. It can cause serious emotional harm not only to the parties involved but also to their families, acquaintances, and fans."
The Korean Press Ethics Committee, an autonomous regulatory body under the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, can issue sanctions such as 'caution', 'warning', 'correction', 'apology', 'disciplinary action request', or 'suspension or expulsion request' for articles and advertisements by newspapers and news agencies. However, these sanctions lack coercive power, and the media outlets are expected to voluntarily publish the decision.
Photo=Baik Seung-Chul
(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Kyung-youn)