hankyoreh

The Government Information Agency announced that the existing press rooms of the ministries will close on October 11 and reporters covering the Office of the Prime Minister and the ministries of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Construction and Transportation, Information and Communication, and Maritime Affairs and Fisheries said on October 10 they will continue to work in the press rooms in defiance of the GIA’s plan.

Reporters covering five government agencies held a meeting on October 10 and agreed to continue to work in the press rooms without moving to a joint briefing center prepared by the government. In August, two other consolidated briefing rooms began operating in Seoul and Gwacheon. However, the new press briefing formula is not working well due to strong resistance from the reporters who have refused to attend the briefings.

The controversy over press room closures began earlier this year, when the government announced a new media policy. One of the main tenets of the policy involves consolidating the press rooms of about 20 government ministries into three central locations. The other, a policy barring reporters from meeting with government officials without prior approval, was shot down in the midst of the controversy. The government has continued to insist that the new policy will increase the efficiency of the media. Reporters claim that limits their ability to gather information, thereby restricting the freedom of the press.

In addition to deciding not to pack up their belongings as requested by the GIA, the reporters will take other actions against the press room closures. Reporters accredited by the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries issued a statement opposing the transfer of the press room. They have decided to write related news stories, and will not attend briefings conducted at the new joint briefing center. Reporters covering the Foreign Ministry have also decided not to take part in briefings and reporters covering the Ministry of Construction and Transportation have formed a committee against the government’s suppression of the press. Those accredited to the Office of the Prime Minister will continue to report to the press room. If they are obstructed from entering the press room, they will gather to discuss countermeasures.

The GIA, however, reiterated its decision to close the press rooms on October 11 according to schedule, raising speculation on clashes between GIA officials and members of the press.


Please direct questions or comments to [englishhani@hani.co.kr]