Following the apology issued by the SBS program 'That’s What I Want to Know' regarding allegations of President Lee Jae-myung's past links to organized crime, media outlets have been echoing related reports. The South Korean National Union of Media Workers criticized what they perceive as efforts to restrain journalism, stating, 'Stop subduing the press.' Reports from various media, including TV Chosun and Channel A, originate from the recent Supreme Court ruling, which confirmed a suspended sentence related to false public statements made during the 2021 presidential campaign.

On the 19th, the Blue House requested media outlets to issue follow-up reports on the topic, particularly those referencing the ruling absolving Lee Jae-myung of the organized crime allegations. In response, President Lee used social media to criticize the program and called for accountability among those involved in the 'falsehoods.' This incident illustrates the tense relationship between the government and certain media elements, raising questions about press freedom and the potential influence of political pressures on reporting practices.

The SBS Union argued that the program's report was based on thorough investigative journalism rather than mere replication of claims. They contended that the program's approach differed significantly from other media's practices, which they labeled as biased reporting. The consistent pushback from the union highlights an ongoing debate in South Korea about journalism's role in politics and the potential risks posed by governmental attempts to control media narratives.