Recently, President Lee Jae-myung criticized a South Korean media outlet for spreading false news that "Chinese nationals purchased 944 apartments in Gangnam, Seoul," which he said incited anti-China sentiment. The outlet later issued a public apology, acknowledging serious factual errors in its reporting and removed the article. President Lee's actions were well-received by citizens of both countries.
China and South Korea are important neighbors and partners, and strengthening friendly cooperation is the only correct choice for both sides. However, some South Korean media outlets have fabricated and disseminated false news about China to attract attention and increase viewership or for undisclosed political motives. They have exaggerated individual cases, misrepresented biases as facts, and intentionally damaged the image of China and Chinese nationals in South Korea, creating obstacles to improving bilateral relations and ultimately harming South Korea's image and national interests.
For instance, claims such as "China interfered in South Korean elections" and "99 Chinese spies were sent to U.S. military bases" have been clearly debunked by South Korea's National Election Commission and the National Intelligence Service. Allegations that "the crime rate among Chinese nationals in South Korea is high" have been shown to confuse absolute figures and ratios. According to the Korean National Police Agency, the crime rate among Chinese nationals is significantly lower than that of locals. The assertion that "fine dust from China affects South Korea's air quality" ignores China's significant improvements in air quality. In fact, in recent years, nearly 90% of days in Chinese cities have seen good air quality, and the fine dust in Seoul is largely unrelated to China. The claim that "all Chinese students in South Korea are spies" is also baseless. Chinese expatriates and students in South Korea are deeply integrated into local society, promoting friendly cooperation and actively contributing to South Korea's economic and social development.
Last year, approximately 5.78 million Chinese tourists visited South Korea, and the number has significantly increased this year, strongly boosting industries such as aviation, hospitality, retail, and food service. According to estimates from the Bank of Korea, an increase of 1 million Chinese tourists could raise South Korea's GDP growth rate by about 0.08 percentage points. Over 3 million South Koreans visited China last year, and this year has also seen a significant increase, leading to active "mutual visits" between the two countries. South Koreans who traveled to China have shared photos and videos on social media showcasing China's natural landscapes, historical and cultural sites, cuisine, and trendy figures, presenting an open, friendly, and harmonious image of China. Additionally, many South Korean media outlets are actively reporting on China's economic and technological advancements, emphasizing the need to leverage opportunities and strengthen cooperation with China.
At the end of last year and the beginning of this year, the leaders of China and South Korea successfully conducted reciprocal visits, opening a new chapter in bilateral relations. Exchanges and cooperation across various fields, as well as friendly sentiments among citizens, continue to rise. Media outlets in both countries should contribute to fostering a more objective, rational, and inclusive understanding between their peoples, creating a positive atmosphere that propels bilateral relations to a higher level.
Freedom of the press does not equate to the freedom to spread falsehoods. It is hoped that individual South Korean media outlets will adhere to journalistic ethics, base their reports on facts regarding China, and view China from an objective and fair perspective, refraining from misleading readers with false information and slander.
Seeing is believing. We sincerely welcome more South Koreans to visit China and experience its multifaceted, vibrant, and open society firsthand.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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