"Not Chinese, Taiwanese Broadcaster" Written on Their Backs in Korean... The Reason Behind Their Precaution

"Misunderstandings About Being Chinese Media... No Conflicts Occurred"

Taiwanese media reported on the ongoing 'Jamsil rally' following the ballot paper shortage during the June 3 local elections. To avoid being mistaken for 'Chinese media,' reporters from the Taiwanese outlet attached signs reading 'China X Taiwanese broadcaster' while covering the event.

The reporting team from the Taiwanese outlet MNews visited the protest site on June 8, where citizens were condemning the ballot paper shortage. On that day, the field reporter held a microphone along with a sign that read 'China X Taiwanese broadcaster,' and the camera operator also had a note attached to their clothing stating 'Taiwanese media coverage. Not Chinese X' while covering the scene.

Taiwanese broadcaster with 'ChinaX' attached. Screenshot from online community

The reason the reporter and the camera operator conducted interviews with rally participants while displaying signs identifying themselves as 'Taiwanese broadcaster' was due to misunderstandings that they were from Chinese media.

After completing the coverage, the reporter posted in Korean on a social media thread on June 8, saying, "I think many people saw me and the camera operator reporting on site today. Some people misunderstood us as Chinese media during the coverage, but after we explained that we were from Taiwanese media, most of the misunderstandings were quickly resolved and there were no conflicts."

The reporter added, "As journalists, our role is to report facts that we see and hear in the field in a fair and objective manner. We also believe it is an important responsibility to accurately convey the voices, demands, and concerns of citizens," and expressed gratitude, saying, "Thank you for the warmth and consideration you showed today."

Screenshot from Taiwanese media MNews

MNews reported that, after news spread of the Taiwanese media covering the rally, participants applauded the reporters. The outlet added, "Once citizens realized that a media outlet from Taiwan was covering the scene, the atmosphere became significantly more vibrant."

Meanwhile, at the Jamsil rally, which has continued for five days since June 5, some participants stirred controversy by pressuring police officers and engaging in violence, questioning if they were 'Chinese nationals.'

Some participants suspected the officers were Chinese police and demanded identification, or pressured them to shout anti-Xi Jinping slurs. There were also incidents in which participants grabbed the back of officers' necks, demanding to see their police IDs, as if grabbing them by the collar. The National Police Agency issued a statement on June 8, saying, "The individuals in question are police officers on duty for the Republic of Korea, and we inform you that the suspicions raised are unfounded."

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