Munhwa Ilbo Ordered to Apologize for Nude Photos

By Bae Ji-sook
Staff Reporter

A newspapers' association on Friday ordered a local newspaper to make a public apology for its printing of nude photos of a suspect.

The Korean Press Ethics Commission ordered daily Munhwa Ilbo to print both the commission's statement and the company's apology message on its page one or three for printing nude photos of Shin Jeong-ah, dismissed assistant professor of Dongguk University, in their Sept. 13 edition.

Shin is accused of fabricating a Yale University diploma and having an ``inappropriate relationship'' with presidential secretary Byeon Yang-kyoon to take advantage of his power and secure lucrative social positions. The paper printed the photos hinting that they may be clear evidence of Shin's offering sex to social authorities in exchange for career opportunities.

However, the commission said that the photographs are not evidence in the case, and in being printed damaged the dignity and reliability of all print media.

Meanwhile, Shin's solicitor said she will sue the newspaper over libel after the prosecution's investigation.

bjs@koreatimes.co.kr