Public Journalism Citizens' Watchdog Holds Grand Debate... Guri Branch of Mothers' Watchdog Launched

The Public Fairness Media Citizen Watchdog held the "2026 First Half Fair Media Grand Debate" to discuss measures for normalizing local media and establishing standards for administrative advertising.

The forum, which addressed the prevalent practice of copying and pasting press releases from local governments and the reality of unqualified reporters extorting advertising fees, was held on the afternoon of April 3, 2026, at the Sutaek 3-dong Administrative Welfare Center performance hall in Guri-si, Gyeonggi-do. The event was organized by the Guri Branch of the Mother Watchdog Group (headed by Huh Youngdae).

The scene of the Fair Media Grand Debate held at the Sutaek 3-dong Administrative Welfare Center performance hall in Guri-si, Gyeonggi-do in the afternoon of the 3rd. Photo by Seokjin Choi

Kim Jintae, Head of Planning at the Public Fairness Media Citizen Watchdog, stated in his keynote speech, "Since the very first debate, our group has continuously called for the enactment of ordinances to eradicate pseudo-media, but unfortunately, we have yet to see this effort bear fruit." He continued, "Today’s seventh debate is entirely different. Now, we have an overwhelming weapon—irrefutable data—rather than emotional pleas that can be easily dismissed."

Kim explained, "After conducting a comprehensive investigation into the accredited media outlets of a particular local government throughout 2025, we found that a staggering 81.2% of all articles were simply copied verbatim from public institution press releases. Even among officially accredited media, 78.5% relied on copy-and-paste, filling their content in this way. In some cases, there were reporters who published only a single original article for the entire year yet still used their business cards to collect tax-funded advertising revenue."

He added, "With the upcoming June 3 local elections, fake news is spreading like poisonous mushrooms. If we do not address this distorted cartel, citizens will be the ones to suffer. I thank the politicians present here today, as well as those watching the broadcast. Do not be afraid. If you show courage and sponsor an ordinance, and pseudo-media outlets launch unfair attacks, the newly established Mother Watchdog Group and vigilant citizens will stand strongly together as your most powerful shield."

Video footage of congratulatory speeches by Paek Kyunghyun, Mayor of Guri, and Song Seokjun, a member of the National Assembly from the People Power Party, from left to right. Photo by Choi Sukjin

Following the keynote speech, video messages of congratulations from various dignitaries were released.

Paek Kyunghyun, Mayor of Guri, stated, "The media is often called the mirror of society. Just as we adjust our appearance by looking in a clear mirror, the fairness of the media is an essential precondition for our society to move in the right direction." He added, "Rational criticism based on facts and fair reporting that does not favor specific interests are the primary driving forces that keep our administration working diligently for the citizens."

Mayor Paek also said, "Only when citizen participation and critical perspectives are harmoniously added to the foundation of fair media can we achieve a healthier society. I hope that the wide range of opinions discussed at today’s debate will provide an opportunity for our society to progress further, and Guri city will always work together for a healthy local community created through fair media and responsible administration."

Song Seokjun, a member of the National Assembly from the People Power Party (representing Icheon in Gyeonggi-do), said, "I sincerely congratulate you on the 2026 First Half Fair Media Grand Debate and the inauguration ceremony of the Guri Branch of the Mother Watchdog Group. Today, you have gathered to thoroughly discuss the practices of modifying or quoting press releases, the reality of unqualified reporters extorting advertising, and measures to normalize local media through citizen oversight and the establishment of administrative advertising standards. I am confident that the members of the newly established Mother Watchdog Group will play an important role in promoting fair media practices in our society."

Assemblyman Song urged, "To everyone here today, please take the lead in creating a beautiful society in our Republic of Korea through a culture of fair media."

Video of congratulatory speeches by Democratic Party members of the National Assembly Antaejun and Kim Yongman from left to right. Photo by Seokjin Choi

Antaejun, a member of the National Assembly from the Democratic Party (representing Gwangju-si-eul, Gyeonggi-do), stated, "The media is both the mirror reflecting our society and the watchdog overseeing power. However, recently in the local media scene, there are growing concerns that the core function of scrutiny is being weakened due to the routine rewriting of press releases and nontransparent advertising practices."

Assemblyman An continued, "At times like these, it is very timely and encouraging for the Mother Watchdog Group to take the first step in monitoring the media with the eyes of citizens and working to correct its course. When mothers’ careful and sharp perspectives are applied, local media will finally seek the truth beyond press releases and listen to residents’ voices. I will also do my part in the National Assembly to help build a healthy media ecosystem."

Kim Yongman, a member of the National Assembly from the Democratic Party (representing Hanam-si-eul, Gyeonggi-do), said, "Local media plays a crucial role in communicating the voices of the community close to residents’ lives and homes. At such a time, the expansion of a citizen-driven oversight system is very meaningful."

He added, "With the launch of the Mother Watchdog Group, I hope there will be more active discussions to strengthen the responsibility and fairness of local media and to create a healthier local media environment."

After the congratulatory remarks, announcer Kim Sohyun introduced the debate chair and panelists.

The debate was chaired by Kim Seojung, Professor of Media Studies at Sungkonghoe University, and the panel included social activist Ahn Jingul, Kang Heetaek (Head of PR and New Media Team at the Gyeonggi Provincial Council), Lee Seongbeom (Secretary-General of the Guri People’s Sovereignty Council), Yu Jaeguk (police officer), journalist Kim Youngjun, and civic group leader Hong Mira.

Professor Kim Seojung, serving as chair, said, "We talk about local autonomy, but this is actually a form of democracy that we should be more familiar with. All residents of a community should stand at the center of the politics and administration that shape our lives."

He continued, "However, from decades of experience, I believe many of you would agree that we have not truly felt the revival of democracy in local communities. There may be many reasons, but I think it is connected to whether the most fundamental element of democracy—public opinion formation—is happening properly at the local level, and whether local autonomy systems are being implemented accordingly."

Professor Kim added, "Since the introduction of local autonomy, the number and diversity of media outlets have increased, which is positive. However, threats and demands for advertising in exchange for not publishing negative articles are still damaging the health of local media and undermining local democracy. There are criticisms that local governments and local media are colluding, especially around administrative advertising."

He said, "For this reason, the organizers likely view it as an urgent priority to improve the reality of local media outlets that rely on copying and pasting press releases or articles from other media, rather than producing their own coverage and reporting. There are also suggestions that administrative advertising should only be carried out with media outlets that engage in legitimate journalistic activities. If that is to happen, ordinances would need to be enacted."

He further stated, "Prioritizing administrative advertising for local media that function properly aligns with the most basic intent of reviving local autonomy."

On the afternoon of the 3rd, Kang Hee-taek, Head of the New Media Team at the Gyeonggi Provincial Council, is presenting at the Fair Media Grand Debate held at the Sutaek 3-dong Administrative Welfare Center in Guri-si, Gyeonggi-do. Photo by Choi Seokjin

Kang Heetaek, Head of the New Media Team at the Gyeonggi Provincial Council and a former reporter, candidly shared his experiences as someone responsible for placing ads in the media, drawing particular interest.

Kang said, "At one point, we even considered intentionally inserting typos into press releases, so that any outlet which published them verbatim would be penalized," highlighting the copy-paste and transcription practices in local media.

He explained, "There is a need to satisfy the public’s right to know, as well as maintain checks on administrative agencies. However, determining who should make these judgments and how is extremely difficult. Administrative authorities, in particular, dare not attempt this, as such evaluations may be criticized as media suppression. It is a very challenging issue."

Kang emphasized, "We must normalize the local media environment, especially by establishing standards for administrative advertising and enacting related ordinances. It is essential to move away from article production centered on press releases and strengthen the functions of criticism and oversight."

He also provided specific examples regarding the number of media outlets and reporters covering the Guri City Council and the criteria for allocating advertising budgets.

The debate covered topics such as: ▲ measures to improve administrative advertising and media structure; ▲ the necessity of enacting ordinances on supporting local media and allocating administrative advertising based on the ratio of original reporting (e.g., over 30%); ▲ analysis of the link between the structure of article production relying on press releases and criteria for administrative advertising; ▲ and the need to establish objective standards for allocating advertisements funded by public resources.

After the presentations by each panelist, there was a Q&A session with the audience.

Participants are taking a commemorative photo after concluding the Public Fairness Media Citizen Watchdog Forum. Photo by Seokjin Choi

Meanwhile, on the morning of the same day, the inauguration ceremony of the Public Fairness Media Mother Watchdog Guri Branch was held.

After the appointment letters were awarded to new members, a training session was held to share the watchdog group’s roles and directions for activity.

Huh Youngdae, Head of the Public Fairness Media Mother Watchdog Guri Branch, said, "I was never really interested in the media, but after a public official’s suggestion, I ended up launching the Guri Mother Watchdog Group, which made me realize just how many media outlets exist and the contradictions of pseudo-media."

Huh added, "Today was our first event, so there were many shortcomings, but I was overwhelmed with emotion when reading the declaration at the inauguration ceremony. I have a renewed sense of determination. Although I still have much to learn about the media, we mothers will do our best to have a positive impact on society and promote fairness."

The debate was broadcast live through the Public Fairness Media Citizen Watchdog’s YouTube channel.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.