On April 16, 2025, shortly after the forum “How Should the Constitutional Court and the National Election Commission Be Reformed?” held at the National Assembly Members’ Office Building, a physical altercation occurred between Kweon Seong-dong, floor leader of the People Power Party, and Lee Myung-joo, a reporter from Newstapa. When the reporter attempted to ask additional questions about an early presidential election, Kweon refused to answer and was caught on camera grabbing the reporter’s wrist and dragging them several meters away.
After the forum ended, reporters requested a press briefing with Kweon. The Newstapa reporter continued to ask about the banner phrase “The People Power Party apologizes to the people. We will take full responsibility to the end.” Kweon blocked the question, saying, “Who did you come to interview?” and grabbed the reporter’s wrist, moving them dozens of meters away. During this, he also stated, “Ban them from entering the members’ building.” The reporter later revealed red marks on their wrist.
The Newstapa Journalists Association and the National Union of Mediaworkers Newstapa Branch issued a joint statement condemning the act, saying, “Unwanted physical contact can constitute assault under criminal law,” and criticized Kweon for “infringing on press freedom through violence.” Newstapa announced its plan to file charges against Kweon for assault, injury, and defamation. They also demanded a public apology and measures to prevent recurrence. The journalists’ union stated, “A politician’s displeasure cannot be grounds for restricting press coverage.”
Kweon responded by claiming, “The Newstapa reporter’s actions were physical threats disguised as coverage and coercive in nature,” and declared he would “clarify the truth through legal procedures and respond firmly to excessive press practices.” He further dismissed the media outlet, saying, “Newstapa is not a news outlet. It’s just gossip.”
Violation of press freedom vs. reporting practices controversy
Media circles and civil society called it “a serious incident where a politician physically infringed on the freedom of the press guaranteed by the Constitution.” On the other hand, Kweon argued that “the freedom of reporting does not justify physical threats or coercive approaches” and took issue with the reporter’s behavior.
In the publicly released video, Kweon can be seen grabbing the reporter’s wrist and dragging them away, giving informal orders like “Keep them from running away,” and stating “Newstapa is not a news outlet.” The reporter demanded an apology for the forced wrist grab, but Kweon did not apologize and instead ordered that the reporter be banned from entry.
Newstapa is expected to file criminal charges against Kweon for assault, injury, and defamation, while the media industry is urging a public apology and preventive measures. Kweon also plans to take legal action, making a legal battle between the two sides inevitable.
