◀ again ▶
However, there is controversy over whether the presidential office has decided to exclude MBC reporters from boarding the presidential plane used for this tour.
MBC expressed his strong regret, stating that this action by the presidential office could be seen as “a retaliation for critical media and a new form of media oppression”.
Our reporters decided to continue coverage and report on the spot using a private plane.
First of all, reporter Lee Ki-joo will tell you.
◀ Report ▶
The presidential office notified the MBC reporters of the policy of not being able to board the private plane around 9 pm last night, after having communicated the boarding ban by telephone, the reason was subsequently sent via text message.
“Boarding the private plane has provided the convenience to report on diplomatic and security matters,” he said, adding, “It is an unavoidable measure to prevent MBC’s distorted and polarized transmissions.”
President Yoon Seok-yeol, who met with reporters on his way to work, also said: “It is because an important national interest is at stake on an overseas tour” and “It was a decision that made it convenient to report on this .”
[윤석열/대통령]
“We have provided the convenience of reporting on these diplomatic and security issues to our reporters, so please accept it in that regard.”
Asked about the reason for the decision to exclude MBC, a presidential office official said: “There was a case that undermined the performance of tourism diplomacy, a battleground for the national interest”, strongly insinuating that it is. it was a response to MBC’s requests for defamation report on the dispute in September.
The official also said: “The measure was taken in the midst of reflecting on whether to provide the convenience of reporting, which costs a huge amount of national tax,” it also caused a backlash.
In response to the sudden warning of refusal to board the private plane by the presidential office prior to the tour departure, MBC expressed regret in an official statement stating: “The decision to refuse boarding a private plane it is an act that severely limits the freedom of speech. ”
He continued: “Responding in the form of a refusal to board the presidential plane while ignoring the democratic order that the Republic of Korea has agreed and constructed can be seen as retaliation for critical media and a new form of media oppression.” , has continued. We expect to faithfully conduct investigations and reporting.
I’m Lee Ki-joo from MBC News.
Video coverage: Park Jong-il, Koo Bon-won / Video editing: Jo Ki-beom
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