In a significant move toward media accountability, Seoul Economic TV has issued a public apology following a sharp condemnation from South Korean President Lee Jae Myung over a report that falsely claimed Chinese buyers were sweeping up real estate in the capital.
The controversy began when the broadcaster aired a segment alleging that Chinese buyers had purchased 944 apartments in Seoul's prestigious Gangnam District, suggesting a massive acquisition of market inventory. However, the report was quickly debunked by official data.
President Lee Jae Myung characterized the broadcast as "deliberately fabricated fake news" designed to "incite anti-China sentiment." Speaking during a cabinet meeting on Wednesday and later via social media, the President revealed that official verification showed only five Chinese nationals had purchased apartment units in the Gangnam area between January and April this year.
The President emphasized that those responsible for the misinformation should be held accountable, highlighting the danger of reports that stir social friction based on falsehoods.
Responding to the backlash, Seoul Economic TV apologized in the name of all its employees. The network admitted that its production team had placed "excessive emphasis on ratings and public attention," and acknowledged that failures in its internal review mechanisms allowed the false content to be aired.
The broadcaster has since removed the report from all its platforms, expressing sincere apologies for the "discomfort and confusion" caused to the public.
Reference(s):
Seoul broadcaster apologizes after Lee condemns fake anti-China report
cgtn.com
