Seoul's exclusion of MBC from media monitoring deemed petty and an attack on press freedom

The Seoul Metropolitan Government has drawn criticism for excluding the broadcaster MBC from its internal media monitoring system following MBC's report on missing rebar in the construction of the GTX-A subway line's Samseong Station. A notice explicitly stating "Biased and distorted reporting media excluded. Excluded media: MBC" was reportedly posted, signaling the city's punitive action.

MBC's exclusive report in May revealed that approximately 2,500 pieces of rebar were missing in the construction of the platform pillars at Samseong Station. The report highlighted safety concerns, as 50 out of 80 pillars were found to not meet design standards. While Seoul City claimed to have reported the issue to the Korea National Railway, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport countered that the report was only briefly noted in extensive work logs and not directly communicated. This discrepancy fueled media suspicion that Seoul might have deliberately withheld information ahead of the local elections.

Seoul City spokesperson Lee Min-kyung defended the exclusion, stating that there were "common-sense incomprehensible aspects" and that they "judged there to be biased and distorted reporting." However, she was unable to provide specific details when questioned by reporters about what aspects were distorted.

The exclusion of MBC has sparked significant backlash. The press corps covering Seoul City issued a statement expressing "grave concern," viewing the action as an attempt to pressure journalists and stifle reporting on city affairs. The article argues that singling out and excluding critical media outlets creates a chilling effect on press freedom.

Adding to the controversy, Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon previously alleged during a city council questioning that the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport might have leaked the information to the Democratic Party, and that MBC's subsequent reporting, numbering over 70 times, was part of a "three-way relationship" aimed at benefiting the Democratic Party in the local elections. He even filed a complaint against MBC journalists and executives for violating election law during the campaign period. The article contends that Mayor Oh should focus on ensuring the completion of reinforcement work for public safety and transparently disclosing the situation to reassure citizens, rather than making unsubstantiated claims of a political conspiracy involving the government, ruling party, and public broadcasting.