South Korean media watchdog sanctions MBC over 2-year-old defamation remarks

South Korea's Broadcasting Media and Communications Review Committee (방미심위) has issued its weakest administrative sanction, 'Opinion Presentation,' against broadcaster MBC. The penalty addresses defamatory remarks made about former President Roh Moo-hyun during a live broadcast of the program '100 Minute Debate' two years ago.

“

The reason President Roh Moo-hyun made the decision to commit suicide was because he was shocked to learn that his family had received $6.4 million in illegal funds.

The committee reviewed comments made during a 2024 episode discussing the upcoming general election. A former journalist, Kim Jin, had stated that Roh's decision to end his life was due to the shock of discovering his family had received $6.4 million in illegal funds. Kim also made controversial remarks about the upcoming election, suggesting that "the country ruined by young people is saved by the elderly" and that candidates should appeal to voters over 60 to boost their support.

“

The country ruined by young people is saved by the elderly.

Following the broadcast, complaints were filed alleging that Kim's remarks defamed Roh and exacerbated generational conflict, harming social cohesion. The deliberation was delayed for over two years due to ongoing disruptions during the previous committee leadership. The sanction applies to MBC as a broadcaster, not to the individual commentator.

“

There is only the method of dramatically increasing the voter turnout of those in their 60s or older by appealing that the elderly will save this country, which has been messed up by the young people.