Go to contents

Chinese media’s biased reports on the violence incident

Chinese media’s biased reports on the violence incident

Posted December. 16, 2017 08:32,   

Updated December. 16, 2017 09:35

한국어

The state-run Chinese tabloid newspaper Global Times told that South Korean journalists covering President Moon Jae-in’s visit to China were attacked because the reporters did not observe the rules of journalism, without mentioning the need for investigation or the infringement of freedom of speech. The state media seems to be creating public sentiment by quoting and reporting only the reactions and the arguments of some Korean netizens in favor of the Chinese side.

“As more information is coming out regarding the incident, there is a shift in the attitudes of Korean netizens toward Korean journalists not following the rules. But the Korean media is exaggerating and some politicians are following suit,” the Chinese newspaper emphasized that there were several cases in which Korean journalists caused trouble during leading government figures’ overseas visit, adding that “similar incidents occurred in the United States.”

However, the newspaper did not disclose the fact that Chinese security guards assaulted South Korean photojournalists protesting against the guard’s attempt to restrict coverage without clear explanation even though the reporters showed their identification. It has also come under fire for failing to play a role as a sound media to raise important questions amid this unprecedented beating incident of press corps accompanying the head of state.

“The event was hosted by Korea and the security guards were hired by the Korean organizer, not by the Chinese police,” added the newspaper, not referring to the fact that even if the assailants were hired by a private security company for the event, the Chinese law enforcement is accountable to the incident because the security company was chosen by Beijing’s police and under its supervision.



Ja-Ryong Koo bonhong@donga.com