As supporters of President Yoon stormed the Seoul Western District Court and committed acts of violence, KBS has issued a statement regarding the assault on reporters.
On the 20th, KBS released an official statement saying, "It is an unacceptable incident that KBS reporters covering the 'Violence Incident at the Seoul Western District Court' immediately after the decision to detain President Yoon Seok-yeol were assaulted by those involved in the violence on the morning of the 19th." They mentioned that "about ten individuals involved in the violence repeatedly assaulted KBS cameramen and video assistants who were filming, and during this process, some of the filming equipment was damaged."
They further stated, "Assaulting reporters who are on the ground to realize the public's right to know, which is a constitutional basic right, is a serious threat to press freedom and a direct challenge to the rule of law and liberal democracy." KBS expressed strong regret over this assault and urged the judicial authorities to conduct a strict investigation and punishment. KBS plans to take strong action, including filing criminal charges against those who assaulted the reporters.
KBS also stated, "In addition, we will spare no effort in supporting the treatment of injuries and psychological therapy for the reporters who were assaulted," and emphasized, "KBS will continue to focus on the coverage and reporting of the state of emergency and the presidential impeachment while ensuring the safety of our reporters."
Meanwhile, upon hearing the news of the issuance of an arrest warrant for President Yoon on the 19th, his strong supporters stormed the Western District Court, causing chaos and occupying the premises.
Below is the full statement from KBS
On the morning of January 19th, immediately after the decision to detain President Yoon Seok-yeol, an unacceptable incident occurred where KBS reporters covering the 'Violence Incident at the Seoul Western District Court' were assaulted by those involved in the violence.
About ten individuals involved in the violence repeatedly assaulted KBS cameramen and video assistants who were filming, and during this process, some of the filming equipment was damaged.
Assaulting reporters who are on the ground to realize the public's right to know, which is a constitutional basic right, is a serious threat to press freedom and a direct challenge to the rule of law and liberal democracy.
KBS expresses strong regret over this assault and urges the judicial authorities to conduct a strict investigation and punishment. KBS plans to take strong action, including filing criminal charges against those who assaulted the reporters.
In addition, we will spare no effort in supporting the treatment of injuries and psychological therapy for the reporters who were assaulted.
KBS will continue to focus on the coverage and reporting of the state of emergency and the presidential impeachment while ensuring the safety of our reporters.
[Kim So-yeon, Star Today Reporter]
