KBS to Take Legal Action Following Assault on Journalists During Court Incident

KBS has announced plans for legal action in response to an assault on its journalists during coverage of a violent incident at the Seoul Western District Court on January 19, shortly after the arrest decision of President Yoon Suk-yeol. In an official statement released on January 20, KBS reported that a group of approximately ten individuals involved in the violence attacked KBS reporters and camera crew multiple times, resulting in damage to some of their filming equipment. KBS emphasized that this attack on journalists, who are exercising the public's right to know as guaranteed by the constitution, poses a serious threat to press freedom and is a direct challenge to the rule of law and democracy. The network expressed strong regret over the incident and called for a thorough investigation and punishment from the judicial authorities. KBS also stated its intention to file criminal charges against those who assaulted its staff and pledged to support the injured journalists with medical and psychological care. Moving forward, KBS will prioritize the safety of its reporters while continuing to cover the state of emergency and the impeachment proceedings against the president.