04/05(Fri) 16:53

Rhee Repeats Attack on Roh's Media Views

Rhee In-je, seeking the Millennium Democratic Party's presidential nomination again attacked rival Roh Mu-hyun, Friday on his statements about the media. Rhee said that Roh's comments were factual and should he file a lawsuit, overwhelming proof and witnesses would be produced. He continued what was said was not sentiment, but firm beliefs and irresponsible behavior for a politician.

Rhe said he had confirmed which reporters attended the dinner meeting where the comments were made, noting the five came from SBS, Hankyoreh and the Seoul Shinmun.

Roh replied that if he had said he would nationalize the media last year, it would have been reported, as it would have been a major story, but as it wasn't he "couldn't have said it." He added he would not sue Rhee, not because he couldn't, but because it would not solve anything.

Yoo Jong-pil, Roh's media adviser said "nationalizing newspapers" was not mentioned at the August 1, 2001 meeting, but admitted limiting shareholding was addressed, similar to the situation at the Hankyoreh. With regard to comments about the stepping down of Donga Ilbo Chairman Kim Byung-kwon, Yoo said the reporters at the meeting, not Roh, talked this about.

(Yoon Yong-shin, ysyoon@chosun.com)

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