South Korea’s ruling Democratic Party ordered an ethics review of lawmaker Choi Min-hee after her remarks about journalists prompted a police defamation complaint and plans for a second filing.
The Korean Video Journalists Association said Choi shared a photo of photo and video journalists covering a party meeting in a supporters’ chat on Nov. 5. Its statement quoted her calling them “a pack of hyenas” and said she accused them of seeking footage to sow discord.
The remarks became public on Nov. 11. Choi apologized on Facebook and at a National Assembly news conference that day, SBS reported. “I apologize to the journalists who were hurt by my inappropriate expression,” she said at the news conference. The video journalists association said the language showed hostility toward the press and could hinder journalists’ work.
Lee Jong-bae, a former Seoul city council member affiliated with the main opposition People Power Party, filed a complaint with the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency on Nov. 12, accusing Choi of defamation, Yonhap reported.
Party leader Kim Min-seok asked the Democratic Party’s ethics inspection unit to review recent controversies involving Choi and assess possible violations of party rules, Newsis reported, citing a party notice. The notice did not specify which incidents the inquiry would cover. Kim also apologized for the party’s handling of the remarks, saying journalists speak and ask questions on behalf of the public, The Korea Herald reported.
The Korea Press Photographers Association said photojournalists help the public scrutinize powerful figures and preserve a record of events, The Korea Herald reported. The newspaper has also reported an August confrontation between Choi’s staff and OhMyTV videographers, as well as a separate dispute with Newsis over alleged bias.
Newsis reported that the photographers association plans to file its complaint at Yeongdeungpo Police Station at 9:30 a.m. KST on Nov. 16.
