YTN controversies
Controversies tied to this brand in public sources. A listing is not a finding of fault.
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2024
Controversy surrounding privatization
The privatization of YTN and Eugene Group's emergence as principal shareholder drew criticism focused on ownership concentration and possible effects on the editorial independence of a major national broadcaster.
2020
Criticism of Vietnam quarantine reporting
YTN reports about Koreans held at a quarantine facility in Da Nang during the early COVID-19 period were criticized by Vietnamese online audiences for allegedly minimizing local measures and cultural differences.
2018
False breaking-news report about Kim Gyeong-soo
YTN reported that authorities were searching and seizing the office of politician Kim Gyeong-soo. The information was described as false, and the Election Broadcasting Deliberation Commission later imposed a sanction.
2018
Reporter detained in Singapore
A YTN reporter covering the planned North Korea–United States summit was arrested in Singapore for filming a US military facility without authorization. The reference material states that YTN did not impose discipline.
2014
Criticism of coverage following the MV Sewol sinking
YTN was accused of manipulating photographs in its reporting during the aftermath of the MV Sewol disaster.
2001
Internal dispute over presidential comments
YTN president Baek In-ho reportedly called President Kim Dae-jung a second founder of YTN. Staff and the union criticized the statement and demanded his departure, while broader allegations concerning government support and pro-government bias also circulated.