Korean Presidential Office Continues Interactive Briefings Despite Concerns

On July 22, the South Korean Presidential Office announced that it will continue its 'interactive briefing' system, which alternates camera focus between the speaker and questioning journalists, despite concerns about potential negative effects. This system was introduced on June 24, aiming to emulate the free-flowing discussions seen in White House briefings. The briefings are broadcast live on platforms like KTV, showcasing not only the spokesperson but also the journalists asking questions.

Lee Kyu-yeon (이규연), the Chief of Public Communication at the Presidential Office, sent a notice to the press corps titled 'Reflections on One Month of Interactive Briefings.' He stated that the unfiltered live broadcasts of the Q&A sessions between the Presidential Office and journalists have been positively received as a fresh approach to enhancing the public's right to know.

However, Lee also expressed concern over excessive online harassment, malicious comments, and distorted video edits targeting journalists who ask questions. He emphasized that such actions could undermine journalistic freedom and warned that reprocessing and distributing related videos could lead to defamation claims.

The decision to maintain the interactive briefing system reflects President Lee Jae-myung's (이재명) strong commitment, as he personally proposed this initiative. During his presidential campaign, he emphasized the importance of real-time communication with the public, a practice he also engaged in while serving as the mayor of Seongnam and the governor of Gyeonggi Province.

Despite the initiative's intentions, many critics argue that the quality of the briefings and the level of discourse have not improved. Instead of fostering a dynamic exchange of questions and follow-ups, the environment has reportedly become intimidating for journalists. Instances of online attacks against reporters posing critical questions have emerged, particularly from pro-government channels, which often highlight the journalists' affiliations rather than the context of their inquiries. Some YouTubers have maliciously edited live footage and spread derogatory comments about journalists.

The National Union of Media Workers issued a statement on July 17, acknowledging that while journalists should expect some level of criticism, they should not have to endure personal attacks or excessive mockery. They noted that female journalists often face sexualized insults.

Political analysts have pointed out that such reactions were anticipated given the polarized political landscape, emphasizing that the focus should be on enriching the content of the Presidential Office's briefings rather than on the identities of the journalists involved.