The President's office today (3rd), former Ministry of National Defense spokesman Boo Seung-chan, who raised suspicions that the paraphrase 'Cheonggong' was involved in the decision-making process of the new presidential residence, and reporters from two media outlets (News Tomato and Hankook Ilbo) who first reported his remarks. decided to sue.
The accusation is scheduled to be submitted to the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency this afternoon.
It is the first time in the current administration to take action against journalists.
In a press announcement, the presidential office said, “The relocation of the presidential office and official residence is a fulfillment of the presidential election pledge, which is a promise to the people, and was carried out after careful review by numerous public officials.” Raising suspicion is an insult to public officials and the public and a malicious frame."
He added, "We have decided to file criminal charges against the former Ministry of National Defense employee who published the suspicion of perforation at the level of rumors and the two media reporters who first reported without additional objective confirmation of facts."
The President's office also pointed out that "the public must have witnessed how absurd it can be when rumors conveyed by the words of many people are processed for political purposes through the case of 'Fake News at a Drinking Party in Cheongdam-dong'."
The President's Office said, "In order to raise serious suspicions that Cheon Gong was involved before the presidential residence, at least there must be objective grounds such as direct or indirect confirmation of Cheon Gong's movement, or witnesses or videos who witnessed entering and exiting the official residence."
"I express deep regret for repeating false allegations," he said.
Former Spokesman Boo Seung-chan said in an interview with 'News Tomato', which was reported yesterday, "Former Army Chief of Staff Nam Young-shin said, 'In March of last year, I received a report from the mission manager that Cheon Gong and Deputy Director Kim visited the chief of staff's official residence and the Seoul office in advance'. did," he said.
The Hankook Ilbo also quoted the contents of a new book by former spokesman Seungchan Boo, who said in a bathroom at an event on April 1 of last year, "I received a report that Chun-gong visited the office of the Army Chief in Hannam-dong and the Seoul office some time ago." Reportedly heard the story.