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Top scientists, academics and Internet users were united in anger
after revelations on the YTN news channel that MBC's "PD Diary" crew
used threats and hidden cameras in their quest to dig up dirt on Prof.
Hwang Woo-suk's research. Kim Woo-ryong, a professor of journalism at Hankuk University
of Foreign Studies said, "In the process of gathering information, if
MBC used coercive techniques or in any way camouflaged their identity,
this would be a serious breach of press ethics.¡± He went on to say," If
in their investigation, MBC threatened to discredit the team or claimed
that Hwang would be arrested or misrepresented the facts, it could
legally constitute defamation.¡± Lee Young-soon, of Seoul National University¡¯s College of
Veterinary Medicine, said, "MBC was making threats during its
investigation of the science in the matter when it was never qualified
to investigate it in the first place.¡± Lee added, "If 'PD Diary' with
absolutely no scientific background, tried to verify the scientific
research, it would become laughing stock of the scientific world. With
'PD Diary' completely discredited, it would now be desirable for
national agencies to step in.¡± Gyeongsang University president Cho Moo-je said, ¡°It is
deplorable that a third-party broadcaster is trying to determine the
truth concerning the results of scientific research, a feat difficult
even for a group of experts.¡± He added, ¡°The outcome of scientific
study has a natural tendency towards self-correction due to other
scientists¡¯ individual verification work in the field.¡± Thousands of replies were posted to related news reports on
portal sites. An appeal to close down MBC posted on a website had found
13,000 supporters as of 6 p.m. on Sunday. An Internet user wrote, ¡°I feel like I'm watching a comedy if
MBC, which completely disregards the ethics of the press, judges Hwang
by his ethics.¡± Another said, ¡°MBC should beg forgiveness on its knees
from the entire people including Prof. Hwang. When a broadcaster loses
its credibility, it has lost the right to exist.¡± (englishnews@chosun.com )
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