PM nominee accused of threatening media

By Jun Ji-hye

Rep. Lee Wan-koo of the ruling Saenuri Party, a nominee for prime minister, has been accused of allegedly attempting to control media reports by appeasing and threatening reporters.

Rep. Kim Kyung-hyub of the main opposition New Politics Alliance for Democracy told a news conference Friday that he has received tips that Lee called executives of cable news channels and asked them to keep reporters from releasing information about suspicions surrounding him.

“Lee made such phone calls at the end of last month when he was tapped for the position,” Kim said.

The suspicions involve land in Bundang, Gyeonggi Province, which Lee’s family is suspected of buying for speculative purposes.

“During a luncheon meeting with young reporters, Lee showed off his closeness with executives of their companies,” Kim said.

“He told them that he has enough power to change reporters’ duty assignments if he wants. Lee also said he can help reporters have successful careers or hurt them.”

The opposition lawmaker claimed that the information he received was very reliable, adding that he has supporting evidence.

“Lee’s actions threaten freedom of the press,” Kim said. “We have to cast doubt on Lee’s qualifications for prime minister.”

Meanwhile, the National Assembly postponed the beginning of a two-day confirmation hearing for Lee to Tuesday from Monday as the rival parties clashed over who will appear before the session to testify.

A vote to approve the appointment motion is expected to take place Thursday.

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