election Roh’s Spokesman Criticizes Chung Dong-young
By Kim Yon-se
Staff Reporter
Cheong Wa Dae spokesman Cheon Ho-seon criticized Chung Dong-young, the presidential candidate of the United New Democratic Party (UNDP), for not being cooperative with the government's media policy.
``It seems that Chung lacks understanding of the administration's media reform policy,'' Cheon said. ``He might not be acquainted with the policy procedures.''
His remarks came a day after Chung expressed negative views about the presidential office's ongoing policy to close most of the pressrooms at government offices.
Saying that he opposes the policy, Chung pledged to revise the media policy of the Roh Moo-hyun administration, if elected president.
``As a former journalist, I also am insulted by the implementation of the media policy,'' he said. ``The closing of pressrooms will do more harm than good.''
The Roh administration's argumentative media policy has faced a backlash not only from opposition parties but also from the pro-government party.
Kim Hyo-seuk, the UNDP floor leader has already expressed his negative views about it.
``If the government pushes for the policy lopsidedly, we will not consent to the government spending provisions (reserved budget) for the remodeling of pressrooms any more,'' he said.
Recently, other presidential candidates, including Lee Myung-bak of the Grand National Party, said they will restore the pressrooms if elected president.