President Roh Moo-hyun had a luncheon meeting with Internet portal representatives at Cheong Wa Dae on Monday and commented on the social responsibility of the Internet media.
President Roh said, In some ways, [Internet portals] seem similar to the press, and in other ways, they seem different. However, it is undeniably a part of the media. There are many remarks made on the responsibility of the press, and it all boils down to the question, Are the social functions and the consequent responsibility of the media different from those of the press?
The president also pointed out, People say that the press is a power, but I wonder whether the same cannot be said of [Internet] media. Internet media provides an infinite venue [for communication], but many questions remain over how much responsibility that venue has. Social consensus does not exist over this issue.
President Rohs remarks seem to convey his thoughts on the recent controversy over the social responsibility issue that the reporting functions of Internet portals carry.
However, some politicians believe that the presidents remarks on the social responsibility of Internet portals do not add up because this administration in effect gave weight to Internet media in order to foster alternative media and because it has developed the State Affairs Briefing of Cheong Wa Dae into an Internet publicity medium for government policies.
Roh also touched upon the controversial Internet real name system saying, Over 90 percent of the public approve of cracking down on drunk drivers, but less than 30 percent would agree to a crackdown that takes place with four-lane roads blocked. Basically, the Internet should be used on a real name basis, but we need to find a way that does minimum harm to technological convenience.
Meanwhile, President Roh stated his clear support for a Korea-U.S. Free Trade Agreement saying, No country that keeps its markets closed succeeds. Until I became president, I did not know how big a role the closed policies of our ancestors played in bringing about the Korean empires demise.