[EDITORIAL] Park Yoo-Chun Fans Stand Up And Speak Out

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Fans prove loyalty without boundaries as they join forces worldwide and continue to vow unwavering support

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[Please Note: This is not an attack on Korean Media and obviously not directed at all media outlets. The one that prompted response that resulted in publishing this article is in the US]

The following is based on the collective voice of Park Yoo-Chun Fans; The real ones who will endure until it’s over

While the investigation into the accusations against actor-singer Park Yoo-Chun takes more twists and turns than a rollercoaster, tabloid-like media coverage laced with personal insight and insinuating sensationalism continues to spin out of control.

Police reports have been routinely released to the press sending media outlets scrambling to relay the information to the public. The indulgent majority are guilty of putting their own spin on the reports assuming they can insinuate anything as long as they insert “alleged” before their slanderous choice of words. More than just a few don’t even bother to do that. Non-celibate pop stars are a reality. But it does not mean they are rapists or have a dark side.

Using the “lay it out on the table” approach by stating “this is what we know”, which a few have done, can only accurately relay what the police reveal in an official statement to the press which means everyone already knows what they said. Quoting other media without checking the original source for facts, is just plain irresponsible. It would be better to say “this is what we don’t know”, then there would be plenty to write about without quoting each other.

Saying Park Yoo-chun no longer has any supporters is one of the most insidious tactics being used in this ongoing bloodlusting media frenzy in addition to all the other degrading and suggestive comments. The fan group getting all the coverage for blindly denouncing Park as soon as the accusations were launched, do not represent an entire fan network which far outnumbers those. The voice getting the attention was insignificant compared to his worldwide support. Breaking camp at the first sign of trouble, was not genuine fan support in the first place.

*Scroll to the bottom of the page to see input from fans who “allegedly” do not exist

[They are also JYJ fans and one of its members is under attack by being accused of a crime with which he has not been charged but still being tried by those who prefer to act on their own free will outside the facts. They vow to continue showing support without letup.]

Another platform is the disparaging internet buzz by marathon internet users. The “sticks and stones” idiomatic expression may be true most everywhere else, but not in South Korea where cyber-bullying by means of hostile language from so-called netizens is rampant. Merriam-Webster dictionary defines a netizen as a person who actively uses the Internet especially in a proper and responsible way. However, the South Korean version of netizens does not fall under that definition. Many use the internet to broadcast their views on everything from condemning someone because of a facial expression caught on camera to criticizing how they look without makeup. It becomes libel when they begin to circulate false rumors which result in damage to the character and career of their target. Tabloid-type media empowers them by frequently quoting their nonsense on their websites and posting what they say on social media giving the impression they view netizens as a reliable source of information. It is not a harmless pastime when many believe what they say because of being posted on a well-known website.

Actor Lee Min-Ho’s agency recently took action against “netizens” for spreading false rumors about the star promising they would get the punishment they deserve.

C-JeS Entertainment has also stated it will take action against all who have made slanderous comments against Park Yoo-Chun. This would also include media sites on the internet who cross the fine line between freedom of the press and malicious slander.

The media storm is leaving many so confused they don’t know what to believe. But this amazing support system of fans around the world are proving they are no joke. They are a powerful organization that will not be blindsided or influenced by careless words, nor will they compromise their belief in Park Yoo-Chun. They view the judgemental actions by certain media as well as the meting out of punishment by others while he is still presumed innocent as reckless disregard and infringement upon Park’s human rights which has prompted them to take measures to address the issue on his behalf.

As for Park Yoo-Chun not being able to work again even if acquitted, that remains to be seen. He is regarded as an international A-list star with a fan network which spans the globe meaning his popularity is not confined to South Korea.

Editor’s Note: As a result of the initial editorial which was posted on The Asian Entertainer, I have had the opportunity to interact with many supportive YC fans from all over the world. Getting to know them as individuals has been an enjoyable experience. Their main concern at present is the storm of negativity spreading throughout the media and internet users even though no charges have been filed to date.

(Below are messages submitted by fans who wish to convey their support to Yuchun)

Dear Yuchun

There are a lot of fans waiting for you all over the world. We believe you and we’ll never stop supporting you.

This may be the hardest time ever for you but we hope you to be strong.

There wasn’t any easy moment for the last 12 years. But you always have overcome it.

And we have always been amazed by you. We always got energy from you.

Now it’s our turn to give you energy.

We are always here and we wait for you with all our hearts. Everything has the end . Life is long. This, too, shall pass away.

We never regret being fan of you. We are so proud to be your fan.

Please take care of yourself and never get discouraged.

We love you Yuchun.

From fan who always have been encouraged by you..

by: The Asian Entertainer

[EDITORIAL] A letter to the Korean Press (By Liusu_qingcheng 流苏_倾城)

Note: Liusu_qingcheng is a lawyer from the United Kingdom

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A letter to the Korean Press

It’s been two weeks since sexual assault claims was brought against Mr. Park Yoochun, and during these two weeks, we saw a big show produced by the Korea Press on the stage.

1. What we see

First of all, is there any evidence that the charge and the subsequent charges against Park Yoochun are substantiated? No, not yet.

The police have so far taken no action against him and offered no evidence. The police are still on investigation.

What we see is that a number of women came forward with allegations against Mr. Park. Among all these accusations, someone withdrew the charge on the second day after her accusation went to public, someone did make allegations to the police but not willing to give evidence, someone made her allegation dated back over a number of years, still no evidence. Most of all, what we see is that the source of the information for the news is the complainant herself or her-selves, and when it comes to the accounts of what really happened of this shameful event, these women went directly to the press rather than to the police.

What we see is that, despite the fact that the complainants keep changing their stories, despite that their own credit is questionable, the press unanimously report all the stories that have been told, without even mentioning this is only one side of the story.

So what is this? This seems to suggest that, if any single individual in Korea wants to mislead or guide the Press/Media and thereafter the public to believe something, true or not, she or he can simply go to the press and tell the story of one side, because the public are willing to take the word of anyone who makes such accusations, especially if these charges are against a famous name. And the Press is willing to give the public a story without verifying of its factuality, simply feeding their curiosity and anxiety for gossip. Then the whole country will start pointing fingers and call him an asshole. Is this what you want?

2. The responsibility of the Press/Media

What is the responsibility of the Press?

Journalists should strive to uphold freedom of the press, and take public interest as the basis of their work. Journalists should uphold the principles of truth, objectivity and fairness.

We do not question your freedom of reporting. But the importance of a free press lies in that the report is not about “taking down Park Yoochun” neither is it a defense of him. It is about trying to set the record straight.

“IV. News and Commentary

We the journalists pledge ourselves that we will report news to its full extent truthfully, objectively, and in a fair manner. We further pledge ourselves that we will adhere to the truthful information and fairness in presenting analysis, commentary, and opinions, and that by taking the diverse opinions in society into account we will contribute to fostering a healthy public opinion.”

This is Article IV in the Preamble of the Standards of Practice under the Code of Press Ethics, provided by the Korean Newspaper and Broadcasting Editors Association and the Journalists Association of Korea (See eg http://www.mediawise.org.uk/south-korea-2/).

In the Section III of the standards, it provides Guidelines for News Reporting, to name just a few:

“News reports, including news analysis, should be presented with all the factual information confirmed and obtained from clearly identified news sources. Journalists are obligated to seek truthful information affirmatively in order to serve the cause of social justice and public interest.

1. (Distinction between News and Opinion) In news reports, journalists should differentiate facts from opinions. Further, they should not select or write news based on their self-serving personal interests or biases.

2. (Specifying Unconfirmed information) Journalists, in rare cases where they have to use unconfirmed information or unidentified news sources, should make it clear in their reports that they are using such information.

5. (Verifying Information from Pecuniary Interests) In principle, the information provided by news sources should be verified of its factuality before being presented as news. Journalists, in particular, should guard against public relations information efforts of vested commercial interest.”

Did the press stick to the standard?

When you reported only one side of the story making one person look like a pervert, without specifying that it is unconfirmed information, you did not.

When you started mixing your biased comments with the news, adding unfounded guesses with sarcasm, without the distinction between news and opinion, you did not.

When you went to the complainant’s friend and so-called relevant person and dug the so-called “inside story” without verifying its factuality before presented it as news, you did not.

This is very unfortunate, because in a single sexual assault, victims are victims, and should be believed as they should be, unless further evidence and investigation reveals that it did not happen. It is the same case with the accused person as well, because there were always rumourmongers who spread sensational news for purpose. While the mass media oversteps their boundaries by consistently taking sides in attracting public attention with reckless disregard for the truth, the public listen to the media all the time.

And you reported the same assumption and conjecture day and night, repeated it endlessly, with no verification, as if this were the most crucial and important thing of the whole country that is worth reporting.

Misleading the public and making him the blame for your suffer is in no way to make your world a better place.

The press should be a messenger, not a drama maker.

No one doubts or denies that the press should report the news freely and independently, we only request that you report the news objectively and truthfully!

3. If yes, if no.

As the investigation goes on, the truth beneath the surface started to show itself. The police began to believe that there was an organised gang crime behind the story. That’s where it gets complicated, and that’s why it may take longer for the truth to be revealed. Although we don’t understand why the accused person cannot get access to the information by whom he was accused, we won’t jump to the conclusion. We will keep waiting for the completion of the investigation.

We accepted that public figures and bodies should tolerate more criticism than ordinary people, not less. We also believe that the accounts of those who were supposed to give evidence against Mr Park should be subjected to careful scrutiny in the course of the extensive police investigation.

If what was charged against Mr. Park is true, that is, if the answer is yes, he will be punished by the law. The press and people should criticize him, we will too, seriously, no doubt.

But what if, the answer is No? It is a material fact that, in every single case, there is always 50% of possibility that, the answer is “No”.

So what if NO?

How will the Korea media and the general public react? Unfounded sex crime allegations have a devastating effect on the image, reputation, and often career, of the accused, who will pay the price of the loss? Has any of you appreciated the gravity of the situation, and how easy a simple rumor can cast a shadow over one person’s life.

It will provide insight into how easy it is to make a claim, and how difficult it can be to disprove it.

It will also provide insight into how easy it is to make a rushed judgement of one’s personality, because this is not your life, not your name, not your dignity, not your career; but at least, show some respect, for his fundamental right. A person, famous or not, deserves a fair judgement based on factual charge.

Article 21 (4) of the Korean Constitution provides:

(See eg https://www.humanrights.go.kr/english/information/legalMaterials01.jsp)

“Neither speech nor the press shall violate the honor or rights of other persons nor undermine public morals or social ethics. Should speech or the press violate the honor or rights of other persons, claims may be made for the damage resulting therefrom.”

The answer is simple and clear:

Do not judge a person before the truth is revealed.

Do not convict a person before the investigation result is disclosed.

Nobody should!

Let this be our last words.

Yours Faithfully,
Liusu_qingcheng

Credit: @Liu__su via @fuyi0419

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Micky Baidu Bar’s Chinese translation : HERE