On October 20, President Yoon raised serious allegations against the Power Party and the investigative show 'That's What I Want to Know' (the show) regarding claims that he was linked to organized crime. During his remarks on social media, President Yoon emphasized the need for an apology and acknowledgment of wrongdoing from those who peddled the false information in a politically motivated attack. He questioned the integrity of the show’s future reporting on this matter and expressed his concerns about the methods used to tarnish his reputation through coordinated media campaigns and legal pressures.

President Yoon elaborated on how the allegations of his connections to the international mafia group emerged during his campaign for presidency in 2021, spearheaded by a member of the Power Party who supposedly was a source for these claims. This individual has since been convicted for his role in disseminating false information during the electoral process. The president criticized the show for its narrative framing that painted him as a member of a criminal gang, indicating that the claims had more to do with political motives than factual accuracy. He expressed a desire for a sincere apology from those involved in thrusting him into such serious allegations without proper evidence.

The controversy highlights the ongoing tensions in South Korean politics, particularly surrounding the use of media in political smear campaigns. The president's call for accountability not only addresses the specific allegations against him but also points to a larger issue of the media's role in shaping public perceptions and the responsibility broadcasters have in ensuring their reports are both credible and free from undue manipulation. Yoon's demands for reflection and correction reflect a continued battle over political narratives in an environment where misinformation and sensationalism can have significant implications for the affected individuals' careers and lives.