President Claims ‘Investigative Report’ Influenced Election, Accuses Media of Interference
South Korean President Lee Jae-myung has accused media outlets of election interference, claiming a report aired during the 2022 presidential campaign influenced voters. The remarks, made Tuesday, March 24, 2026, center around a segment from the SBS program “That’s What I Know,” often referred to as “GrAl.”
President Lee shared a screenshot on his social media account of a viewer comment from the SBS program’s online message board stating they voted for Yoon Suk-yeol after watching the show. He argued that fabricated reporting can sway public opinion and undermine democratic processes. “Manipulated reporting that changes the choices of citizens is election interference,” he stated.
The president’s comments come amid ongoing tensions with SBS, particularly its labor union, over previous reporting concerning allegations of connections to organized crime. Lee previously asserted that freedom of the press does not equate to a license to act without responsibility, according to reports from March 22, 2026. This latest statement appears to broaden his criticism to encompass the potential impact of the “GrAl” report on the election outcome.
The controversy highlights the delicate balance between freedom of the press and the potential for media influence in political campaigns. The president’s accusations suggest a belief that the reporting unfairly damaged his candidacy during the 2022 election.
The situation as well underscores the ongoing debate surrounding the role of investigative journalism and the responsibility of media organizations to ensure accuracy and fairness in their reporting.
