Cheong Wa Dae correspondents

Cuba’s Fidel Castro explained the difference between Cuba and the U.S. in terms of democracy as follows: “I don`t have to answer questions from Helen Thomas.” Mrs. Thomas, a legendary former White House correspondent, covered 10 presidents ranging from John F. Kennedy to the 44th incumbent President Barack Obama. As a rule, the White House press conference used to start with her first question and ended with, “Thank you, Mr. President.” Of course, not all presidents respected her. Former President George W. Bush who was criticized her for being the worst correspondent in the U.S. history barely gave her a chance to ask a question. He would have been uncomfortable with the reporter who asked, “What is the real intention of the Iraq War?”

A “no.1 reporter” is another name of a Cheong Wa Dae correspondent. A reporter who has an in-depth understanding of current issues and excellent capabilities generally covers the presidential office because he or she has to cover the president. Although the position is envied by many, the reality is tough. Cheong Wa Dae correspondents can only interview over the phone in the briefing room of the presidential office or have a meal with news sources to monitor power. Nowadays, they can hardly dream of visiting the presidential secretariat. Only a reporter who is dedicated to a major event can see the president.

Until Korea was democratized, the government practically banned unfavorable reporters from entering the presidential office. When the late President Kim Dae-jung prohibited reporters’ visit to the presidential secretariat, the media protested and eventually the former administration allowed a visit for one hour each in the morning and in the afternoon. The late President Roh Moo-hyun completely banned reporters’ visit to ministries. Although the administration claimed it adopted an open briefing room scheme due to too many reporters, it was in fact to block the press room. Former President Lee Myung-bak tried to eliminate the legacy of his predecessor, but his administration continued banning the entry of Cheong Wa Dae correspondents. The Park Geun-hye administration is not much different. Any administration would be uncomfortable with the media.

When a reporter asked if President Park Geun-hye needs to increase face-to-face reporting in the New Year’s press conference on Monday, the president said, “You are a Cheong Wa Dae correspondent but you don’t know things at all.” Even some in the presidential office and the ruling party point out the absence of face-to-face reporting. I would like to ask the president back if she does not know things at all. It is pathetic to see Cheong Wa Dae correspondents visit just the press room, the rest room and the backyard of the presidential office.