Lee Jae-myung demands media apology over 'gangster' allegations

The recent online statements by President Lee Jae-myung, addressing the persistent 'gangster connection' allegations, have reignited a sensitive chapter in South Korean politics. Lee's demand for apologies and retractions from media outlets, particularly concerning the '2 billion won bribe' narrative, underscores his frustration with what he terms 'manipulated corruption.' The core of his argument rests on the fact that the evidence presented, including photographs, was later debunked and linked to unrelated events, with the accuser himself facing legal repercussions for spreading false information.

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If it weren't for the gangster theory, if it weren't for the Daejang-dong corruption fabrication, the election results would have been completely different.

This controversy, which first surfaced during a 2021 parliamentary audit, involved claims that Lee, during his tenure as Seongnam Mayor, received illicit funds. The subsequent fact-checking revealed the photos used as evidence were identical to those posted by an individual claiming they were earned through business ventures. The legal fallout for the accuser, who received a prison sentence for spreading false information, further bolsters Lee's position that the allegations were fabricated.

The article delves into the historical context by drawing a parallel between President Lee's rise from humble beginnings and that of Zhu Yuanzhang, the founder of China's Ming Dynasty. Both figures, it suggests, rose from challenging circumstances to reach the pinnacle of power. Zhu Yuanzhang, sensitive about his past as a monk and a rebel, reportedly suppressed certain characters in official documents. Similarly, Lee appears acutely aware of how past narratives, even if unsubstantiated, can be weaponized against him. This comparison highlights a common human, and perhaps political, tendency to be guarded about one's origins when striving for legitimacy and public trust.

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It is clear that the fabrication of the '2 billion won bribe theory' by Park Cheol-min and lawyer Jang Young-ha is unacceptable.

However, the piece also offers a cautionary note, suggesting that while Lee's desire to correct the record is understandable, his approach might be excessive ('과유불급'). It points out that many media outlets had already fact-checked and debunked the '2 billion won bribe' claim on the day it emerged. The article raises concerns that a president directly demanding apologies or retraction of awards from specific media outlets could stifle future investigative journalism, particularly concerning powerful political figures. It argues that while journalistic scrutiny is vital, blanket criticism of the media, disregarding context, is also problematic. The author concludes by wishing Lee success as president, but encourages him to focus on improving the present and discussing the future, rather than dwelling excessively on past controversies, echoing the sentiment that even a great ruler cannot undo what has been done.

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It is not permissible for even a god to make what has already happened, not have happened.