The Blue House stated that the allegations made against President Lee during the 20th presidential election, claiming he had links to gangsters, have been legally confirmed as false. Spokesperson Lee Kyu-yeon emphasized the need for media outlets to exercise their right to post-follow-up articles, correcting the misinformation that has circulated and disrupted public understanding. This request comes in line with the Press Arbitration Act, which allows individuals who have been wrongfully named in criminal-related news to demand retractions within a specific timeframe if they are later found innocent or the allegations are proven false.

The initial allegations were brought to light by Jang Young-ha, a member of the National Power Party, who relied on statements from a member of a violent organization, claiming that President Lee received 2 billion won in exchange for favors during his tenure as mayor of Seongnam. Jang has since been convicted of spreading false information under election laws, receiving a suspended prison sentence. The Blue House spokesperson noted the ongoing impact of these erroneous reports on public perception and the importance of rectifying the narrative to prevent further misinformation.

President Lee himself took to social media to express concerns over the lack of apologies or follow-up corrections from the media that widely reported these allegations without verification. His comments underline the broader implications of false reporting in the political landscape of South Korea, as he aims to hold accountable those who contributed to the spread of these damaging claims, highlighting the importance of responsible journalism in upholding democratic integrity.