By Jun Ji-hye
Cheong Wa Dae is toughening its stance regarding a torrent of news reports on the scandal involving President Park Geun-hye and her friend Choi Soon-sil, threatening to take some of the people responsible to court.
This is apparently in line with Park's continued grasp on power in defiance of public calls for her resignation.
Denying a report that Choi, with no official government position, even joined President Park on board her plane on a state visit to Iran in May, presidential spokesman Jung Youn-kuk said Wednesday the presidential office will take legal steps to demand a correction.
The spokesman called for media prudence, saying, "Indiscriminate suspicions cause social confusion."
Channel A, a local cable news company, reported Tuesday that Choi boarded the flight to accompany Park during her three-day state visit to Tehran. The trip was aimed at enhancing bilateral ties with the Islamic republic following its landmark nuclear deal with the West last year.
Choi has been the focus of public criticism as she is suspected of having abused her longtime relationship with the President to meddle in important state affairs and accumulate a large fortune.
"It is very regrettable that reports brought severe disgrace on the Presidential Security Service that manages passengers on presidential flights," Jung said. "It was a false and malicious report."
He added that the media outlet only cited an unnamed source and did not present other evidence to prove its report.
"Channel A pushed ahead with the report although I told a journalist it was untrue," he said.
Regarding why Park sent her blood to a private hospital for testing in September 2013, despite having access to a personal physician, Jung avoided a direct answer, saying the prosecution's investigation will find that out.
When asked whether the President's health is categorized as second-class state secrets, he said, "As far as I know, yes."
Despite growing calls from opposition parties and the public for her resignation or transfer of power, President Park has appeared determined to stage a long battle to hold onto power.
The spokesman said Tuesday the President is taking the situation seriously and seeking all means to address the current political turmoil, but her resignation or a transition of power was not on the cards.
On whether Park is planning to deliver a third public apology, Jung said, "I haven't heard of it."
Park delivered a terse public apology, Oct. 25, regarding the political scandal, during which she admitted Choi reviewed more than 40 presidential speeches before their delivery dates. Then on Nov. 4, she apologized for the scandal for the second time in an emotional nine-minute address to the nation.
Cheong Wa Dae is toughening its stance regarding a torrent of news reports on the scandal involving President Park Geun-hye and her friend Choi Soon-sil, threatening to take some of the people responsible to court.
This is apparently in line with Park's continued grasp on power in defiance of public calls for her resignation.
Denying a report that Choi, with no official government position, even joined President Park on board her plane on a state visit to Iran in May, presidential spokesman Jung Youn-kuk said Wednesday the presidential office will take legal steps to demand a correction.
The spokesman called for media prudence, saying, "Indiscriminate suspicions cause social confusion."
Channel A, a local cable news company, reported Tuesday that Choi boarded the flight to accompany Park during her three-day state visit to Tehran. The trip was aimed at enhancing bilateral ties with the Islamic republic following its landmark nuclear deal with the West last year.
Choi has been the focus of public criticism as she is suspected of having abused her longtime relationship with the President to meddle in important state affairs and accumulate a large fortune.
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"It is very regrettable that reports brought severe disgrace on the Presidential Security Service that manages passengers on presidential flights," Jung said. "It was a false and malicious report."
He added that the media outlet only cited an unnamed source and did not present other evidence to prove its report.
"Channel A pushed ahead with the report although I told a journalist it was untrue," he said.
Regarding why Park sent her blood to a private hospital for testing in September 2013, despite having access to a personal physician, Jung avoided a direct answer, saying the prosecution's investigation will find that out.
When asked whether the President's health is categorized as second-class state secrets, he said, "As far as I know, yes."
Despite growing calls from opposition parties and the public for her resignation or transfer of power, President Park has appeared determined to stage a long battle to hold onto power.
The spokesman said Tuesday the President is taking the situation seriously and seeking all means to address the current political turmoil, but her resignation or a transition of power was not on the cards.
On whether Park is planning to deliver a third public apology, Jung said, "I haven't heard of it."
Park delivered a terse public apology, Oct. 25, regarding the political scandal, during which she admitted Choi reviewed more than 40 presidential speeches before their delivery dates. Then on Nov. 4, she apologized for the scandal for the second time in an emotional nine-minute address to the nation.
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