[The Chosun Ilbo, December 13 2007] Architects of Media Oppression Try to Hide

Bang Sun-kyu, the official at the Government Information Agency who played a central role in the Roh Moo-hyun administration's efforts to close down and consolidate press rooms at government agencies, is reportedly about to be appointed as press attache to the Korean embassy in the U.S. Bang applied for the position voluntarily.

Early this year, Bang was entrusted by President Roh to observe the way press rooms are run by government agencies around the world. It was Bang who created the blueprint for Roh's clampdown on media access to government officials and ministries. It is mind boggling to see the official who worked so hard to realize the president's plan trying to leave Korea now when the administration's days are numbered. It just makes one feel that Bang, who appeared to be such a firm believer in the president's views on taming critical news media, was just doing his job.

...

These officials made a lot of noise during their day. But their day is coming to an end soon and they are probably right in seeking to find a place in which to bury their heads. But they cannot hide. A person's exit should be graceful. How they handle their exit says a lot about their character. What good will it do to make these people pay for their actions, when they are already getting ready to hide in shame?