South Korea is, once again, singled out for attacks on press freedom. The International Federation of Journalists has condemned the ruling party for its harassment and intimidation of journalists. A trend that has been increasing since conservative Yoon Suk-yeol came to power.
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With our correspondent in Seoul, Celio Fioretti
On Thursday, September 15, Seoul prosecutors searched the homes and offices of two journalists after receiving a complaint from the ruling party about an interview deemed ” discrediting “. The facts date back to the 2022 presidential campaign. Then a candidate, the current president was put in difficulty during an interview, his party is now denouncing a maneuver to tarnish his image a few days before the election.
Not the first time
This is not the first time that Yoon Suk-yeol has been singled out for his report to the press. Last November, after the broadcast of a compromising video, the latter excluded the MBC channel from boarding the presidential plane to cover his travels.
Fall of four places
Both private and public channels have seen their subsidies reduced or even eliminated under the leadership of the Yoon government. In question, criticism of his policies and a leaning considered too left according to the person concerned. In 2023, South Korea will be ranked 47th out of 180 in the Reporters Without Borders (RSF) press freedom ranking. A drop of four places compared to the previous year.
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