Why Do We Cry Out for Free Press? [Media Outlook]

Fifty years ago, the Dong-A Ilbo newspaper posed a profound question: "Why Do We Cry Out for Free Press?" Its answer then, and its resonance today, lies in the unwavering commitment of journalists to uphold truth and accountability, even at great personal cost. The article revisits this pivotal moment in South Korean media history, recalling the courage of journalists who, in 1975, formed the Dong-A Free Press Defense Committee and the Chosun Free Press Defense Committee. These individuals were dismissed from their jobs for defending editorial independence and the public's right to know against an oppressive regime.

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The free press declaration is a voice of reflection from media workers.

The legacy of these 'fired journalists' is deeply intertwined with South Korea's democratization. Many went on to become influential figures in civil society and politics, contributing to the establishment of new media orders, including the founding of the Hankyoreh newspaper. Their struggle was not just for their livelihoods but for the very soul of journalism—a commitment to truth that transcended personal gain. The article notes that even now, these journalists, now in their eighties, yearn for reinstatement, viewing the fight for free press as a fight for their lost dignity.

However, the narrative extends beyond the actions of authoritarian governments. The article also casts a critical eye on the role of media capital. It recounts how, under pressure from the intelligence agency, advertisers withdrew their support, leading to 'blank page' advertisements as a form of public protest. Ultimately, it was the media owners, succumbing to government pressure and financial difficulties, who dismissed the journalists. This historical episode serves as a stark reminder that media freedom is not solely threatened by state censorship but also by the compromises made by media corporations prioritizing survival over journalistic ethics.

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If the Constitutional Court corrects the injustices of the past, I would like to work even for just one day and then retire.

In contemporary South Korea, the challenges to press freedom have evolved. The article argues that the rise of platform-driven media, algorithmic content curation, and intense market competition have further eroded journalistic autonomy. Journalists are increasingly seen as 'salaried employees' within large media conglomerates, facing pressure for performance and survival, rather than as public intellectuals or 'wise men' ('지사') of old. The public's engagement, often driven by partisan loyalties and platform dynamics, further complicates the media's role. The piece concludes with a poignant question: Is the media environment today, for which these journalists yearned to return, truly free? It calls for a continuous self-reflection within the media to ensure that the spirit of uncompromising journalism endures amidst these complex challenges.

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The media is no longer just a censor of the state, but also a victim of the times.