YTN Privatization Cancelled…KCA, Can No Longer Delay [Reading the World]

The Supreme Court recently ruled that YTN's disciplinary measures against a journalist, imposed in 2024, were invalid. The journalist had complained about the media company YTN-Y, which had recently taken control of the outlet. YTN-Y argued that their decision was based on defamation or insult, which they claimed did not violate freedom of speech. However, the court disagreed, stating that the company's reputation was also affected.

Following the company's control of YTN, the journalist was excluded from the workplace for six months without pay. This decision was seen as a burden on the company, as the journalist had been advocating for fair broadcasting for years and even won the special award for freedom of speech. Allegations of unfair treatment against the journalist continued in multiple lawsuits.

Additionally, the Seoul Administrative Court and the Seoul Central District Court invalidated key decisions made by YTN-Y, such as the appointment of the broadcasting department head and news department head. They deemed these appointments to be in violation of collective bargaining agreements and illegal actions. The company's current board of directors and management decisions are all questioned, as they do not meet the required conditions set by the court.