Seoul City sues MBC for defamation over GTX-A rebar reports, seeks 300 million won

Seoul City is suing broadcaster MBC for defamation over reports alleging missing rebar in the construction of the GTX-A subway line's Samseong Station. The city filed a lawsuit with the Seoul Western District Court on April 18, seeking 300 million won in damages and a published correction of the reports.

Seoul claims MBC's "News Desk" and online news reports, broadcast over three weeks starting April 15, distorted the responsible parties for construction errors, linked cracks at the site to missing rebar, and misrepresented normal administrative procedures as intentional concealment. The city argues these reports damaged its credibility, increased public anxiety, and disrupted the project.

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The city claims MBC's reports on the GTX-A subway line's construction errors were false and distorted, damaging public trust and causing confusion.

This legal action follows a criminal complaint Seoul City filed against MBC officials on April 16. The city stated its aim is not to restrict legitimate media criticism but to counter reports based on falsehoods that cause public confusion and erode trust in city administration.

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The city stated its aim is not to restrict legitimate media criticism but to counter reports based on falsehoods that cause public confusion and erode trust in city administration.