hankyoreh

The Munhwa Ilbo newspaper on October 18 apologized for printing a nude photo of degree scammer Shin Jeong-ah on September 13. Civic groups and women’s rights advocacy organizations, however, have taken issue with the nature of the apology, raising questions about the paper’s use of sensationalism, and privacy violations and human rights issues in journalism.

The newspaper published a statement apologizing for the incident on its front page, saying it had printed the photo with consideration for the people’s right to know. “We sincerely apologize to readers for inciting a controversy over sensationalism and criticism over violation of human rights,” added the newspaper.

The statement makes it sound as though the newspaper feels that it was right to print the photo but is offering an apology due to the criticism it has received and the social controversy it has created.

A number of women’s and civic organizations have criticized the statement, citing its lack of sincerity. Lee Yun-sang, deputy director of the Korea Sexual Violence Relief Center, said, “The Munhwa Ilbo’s account glosses over the nature of the incident by citing the people’s right to know. It is embarrassing that the newspaper doesn’t understand what women’s organizations have taken issue with.”

An official of a civic group, Roh Yeong-ran, who waged a one-man demonstration urging The Munhwa Ilbo to apologize and punish related persons, said, “The apology is short of the people’s expectations but it is meaningful in that young reporters made an effort to solve the matter,” adding, “We expect the newspaper to do something to prevent the recurrence of this kind of incident and reflect on its actions.’’

Kim Jong-won, secretary general of Korea Press Ethics Commission, which has decided to request that The Munhwa Ilbo publish the apology, said, “The ethics committee to be held on October 31 will judge whether or not to consider this as an apology. If the committee rejects it, the newspaper should print a proper apology.”

The Munhwa Ilbo has applied for a new review of the commission’s decision.

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