President Yoon Suk-yeol emphasized the importance of maintaining trust and fairness in journalism during a speech on August 13. He pledged government support to ensure that journalists can report freely and fairly.
Speaking at the 62nd anniversary celebration of the Korean Journalists Association (KJA) held at the Korea Press Center in Seoul, Yoon, through a written message read by his Chief of Public Relations, Sung Ki-hong, stated, "Thanks to the courage, dedication, and passion of journalists, the principles of truthful reporting have taken root in our society."
He noted that with the recent advancements in artificial intelligence and the emergence of new media, the value of trustworthy information has become increasingly important. Yoon assured that the government would spare no effort in supporting journalists to work in a free and fair environment.
Yoon also expressed his commitment to listening to constructive criticism from the media, stating, "I will sincerely heed the affectionate critiques you provide with your sharp insights and respond with better policies."
The event was attended by approximately 150 guests, including National Assembly Speaker Cho Jung-sik, interim leader of the Democratic Party Han Byeong-do, and People Power Party leader Jang Dong-hyuk, along with members of the press and the KJA.
KJA President Park Jong-hyun highlighted that press freedom is a value that must be upheld through continuous effort and practice. He remarked, "Press freedom is not an unchanging right but a value that must be maintained through effort and action," adding that members should remain vigilant and active for the sake of press freedom and society.
He also referenced the KJA's five guiding principles, which include safeguarding press freedom, promoting democracy, advocating for member rights, fostering peaceful reunification, and enhancing international exchanges. Park expressed gratitude for the resistance and achievements of senior journalists in the fight for press freedom.
Speaker Cho stated, "The press freedom that the KJA has sought is the power to uphold the truth and the nourishment that has fostered democracy," asserting that even as technology advances, the quest for truth begins with journalists.
He promised that the National Assembly would work to improve the media environment to enable journalists to continue their mission of truthful and fair reporting.
Leaders from both ruling and opposition parties echoed the importance of press freedom and truthful reporting. One interim leader referenced the 130th anniversary of the Independent Newspaper and the opening of the Seo Jae-pil Room at the Press Center, stating, "We will work together to ensure that the truths the public needs to know are not obscured and to create a healthy media ecosystem."
Jang emphasized that when the press questions power on behalf of the public, it compels humility from those in power and helps restore integrity in politics. He pledged to do his utmost to provide institutional support so that journalists can fulfill their mission of truthful reporting without succumbing to external pressures.
During the event, the KJA presented awards to Kim Eun-kyung, head of the Korea Financial Services Agency, Shin Yong-hoon, chair of the Credit Recovery Commission, and Baek Jong-woo, head of the Central Mental Health Welfare Support Group. The KJA also held a poetry contest to commemorate its 62nd anniversary and the opening of the Seo Jae-pil Room, with awards going to reporters from the Dong-A Ilbo, Gyeongin Ilbo, and MBC.
Founded on August 17, 1964, in response to the military regime's press ethics law, the KJA has since focused on safeguarding press freedom, enhancing journalistic quality, advocating for journalists' rights, promoting peaceful reunification, and strengthening international exchanges.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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