S. Korean lawmaker proposes change to Press Arbitration Act

Dec. 30 (Asia Today) -- South Korean opposition lawmaker Kim Jang-gyeom on Tuesday proposed an amendment to the Press Arbitration Act that would treat the filing of a mediation request with the Press Arbitration Commission as meeting the deadline for later filing a correction lawsuit.

Kim, a member of the People Power Party, said he submitted what he called the "Media Arbitration Blind Spot Resolution Act," aimed at allowing victims of alleged false reporting to seek mediation within the statutory filing period, review the outcome and then pursue a lawsuit only if needed.

The bill includes a provision requiring a lawsuit to be filed within one month after mediation concludes for the filing period to be considered satisfied, a measure Kim said is intended to prevent abuse and bolster legal certainty.

Kim said the proposal is designed to reduce unnecessary lawsuits and time burdens on victims. Under current law, people seeking relief from disputed reporting can file for mediation with the commission or pursue a court lawsuit, but separate deadlines apply. Kim said when mediation takes too long, the window to file a lawsuit can expire.

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Kim cited Press Arbitration Commission data showing the average processing time for a media dispute was 26.1 days this year, exceeding the statutory 14-day period. The average rose from 14.8 days in 2022 to 26.1 days in 2025, he said.

Kim said the law's time limits were meant to support legal stability for media outlets and reduce social disruption but argued it is excessive to deny victims access to litigation after they have already exercised their rights through mediation.

He said disputes over reporting involve a clash between press freedom and individual rights and that negotiated resolution is preferable. He said he expects the amendment to reduce the strain and resource costs tied to litigation and increase the share of cases resolved through dialogue at the commission.

-- Reported by Asia Today; translated by UPI

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