Choi Minhee's "Pack of Hyenas" Remark Sparks Controversy... Photojournalists Association to File Police Complaint

Complaint to be filed at Seoul Yeongdeungpo Police Station on November 16
Choi Minhee apologizes for "inappropriate remarks" amid controversy

The Korea Photojournalists Association plans to file a police complaint against Choi Minhee, a Supreme Council member of the Democratic Party of Korea, for calling photojournalists covering the National Assembly a “pack of hyenas.”

Choi Minhee, a Supreme Council member of the Democratic Party of Korea, answers reporters' questions after a press conference at the National Assembly Communication Center on the 11th to announce her position on remarks about reporters. Photo by the National Assembly Photojournalists Group.

The association said on November 12 that it plans to submit a complaint against Choi to the Seoul Yeongdeungpo Police Station on November 16.

The association says Choi’s remarks defamed photojournalists and insulted their legitimate reporting activities, and that an investigation is necessary. “The photojournalists whose faces were clearly visible in the photos are now suffering such severe humiliation and anguish that it is difficult for them to continue working,” the association said. “We have made the final decision to file a police complaint to protect our members’ rights and interests.”

On November 5, Choi reportedly posted photos showing the faces of photojournalists covering an event in a group chat with about 500 people, including local party members from her constituency and acquaintances. She allegedly wrote, “A pack of hyenas” and “They’re doing that to get footage that can be used to sow discord, one way or another.”

The previous day, the association issued a statement calling on Choi to apologize publicly and prevent a recurrence. It criticized her, saying, “Dismissing and ridiculing legitimate reporting activities as political divisiveness is an unmistakable insult to journalists and an inappropriate act that could constitute defamation.” It added, “Photojournalists do not exist to capture scenes that suit politicians’ preferences. They exist to monitor those in power through the eyes of the public and to record history.”

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