The suspension of JoongAng Ilbo correspondents- the interview

Chong Wa Dae spokesman Park Joon-young announced on the afternoon of June 20 that the JoongAng Ilbo's Chong Wa Dae correspondent would be suspended indefinetely.

The controversy stems from the JoongAng Ilbo's front page article on June 20 titled 'North Promises Changes in Worker Party Pact'. Park pointed out "the unsolicited report will only cause trouble for the inter-Korean relationship."

Spokesman Park also added "The briefing for the media at the President's dinner meeting on June 19 was allowed on the condition of secrecy. I sincerely regret the latest action by the JoongAng Ilbo." Park also made a request, "Regarding the inter-Korean agreement, reporters must maintain its comprehensive off-camera nature."

-How long is the suspension expected to last?
"For now, indefinitely."
-The Grand National Party has already announced President Kim Dae-jung's announcement to Lee Hoi-chang, the GNP leader. Shouldn't that be allowed to come out?
"That is not so. We shall come up with countermeasures for the editions already printed."
-What about the fact that the Munhwa Ilbo (Munhwa Daily) performed the same act?
"That problematic article is expected to be nullified."
-But the same article is ready to be released during the Chong Wa Dae dinner.
"I am aware of it. But that is none of our concern."
-There must be some kind of explanation for suspending the JoongAng Ilbo correspondent.
"Just write down the facts, and make sure the article is not released."

"But how could we retract our reports without any explanation," protested Chong Wa Dae correspondents.

by Kim Jin-kook