YTN audit finds former CEO's apology within authority, but procedural flaws noted

An audit report by YTN's internal review committee has determined that the former CEO's public apology regarding reports on the first lady, Kim Keon-hee, fell within the scope of his executive authority. The committee, however, pointed out that the decision-making process lacked sufficient official records and a clear procedure for consulting relevant departments.

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The apology itself can be seen as within the scope of exercising representative authority, and it is difficult to view the apology broadcast as an act of the executive intervening in individual reporting processes.

The audit also addressed the unauthorized deletion of a news report concerning the eldest son of the Hyundai Motor Group chairman, who was involved in a drunk driving incident. The committee concluded that it was difficult to classify this as a "serious violation of regulations," citing a lack of formalized deletion procedures and no confirmed evidence of a quid pro quo for the deletion. This finding has intensified criticism that the audit has provided a de facto acquittal for past management.

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It is difficult to conclude it as a serious violation of regulations.

However, the audit did identify nine similar cases of article deletion, which the company presented as a success, emphasizing a need to address structural problems rather than punish individuals. The company stated that focusing on specific cases is "a very political and inappropriate act." The audit report also noted that the marketing director, who deleted the article after receiving lobbying from Hyundai Motor Group, acted without clear procedures.

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Punishing specific individuals cannot be a solution.

The YTN labor union strongly criticized the audit results, calling them a "capitulation to capital and political power" and a step backward from previous internal investigations. The union argued that the company's claim of finding nine additional deletion cases was vague, as the specific reports were not identified. They also pointed out that the deletion of a "surprise video" of former President Yoon Suk-yeol, a significant issue, was not even investigated.

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A capitulation to capital and political power.