김회승 전 한겨레 논설위원 청와대 직행에…언론계 안팎 “신뢰 훼손” 비판

Former 한겨레 columnist Kim Hui-sung has been appointed as the senior aide to the Blue House press room, just weeks after concluding his last op-ed. This move has sparked criticism from both within and outside the media industry, with many accusing it of "damaging journalistic trust."

Kim Dong-chun, the policy chairman of the Media Reform Citizens' Alliance, noted that Kim's appointment was a classic example of a "polymath" - a journalist who transitions to political power without a sufficient "maturation period." He emphasized that such appointments not only erode the authority of the media but also lead to public skepticism and a weakened sense of responsibility among journalists.

President Jeunnam's decision to appoint a current journalist to the senior press aide role has been seen as a reflection of the government's lack of commitment to media independence and the need for a clear distance between power and the press. 이재명's administration has continued to publish op-eds by former journalists, including Kim, on major government policies such as the housing tax reform. This has raised concerns about the credibility of such reporting and its impact on public trust in the media.

Critics have called for concrete measures to prevent such appointments in the future. 이는 도원, former head of the National Union of Journalists, warned that such career transitions lower the media's own authority and can instill a dangerous mindset among aspiring journalists. He argued that if this practice becomes commonplace, it will become a normalized norm.

The journalist union has suggested that a system be put in place to prevent former journalists from immediately entering politics upon retirement, such as mandatory resignations or reporting of future political aspirations.