Chinese Ambassador to South Korea, Xing Haiming, expressed his appreciation for President Lee Jae-myung's criticism of fake news and the promotion of anti-China sentiment by some South Korean media.
On May 22, the ambassador shared his thoughts on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), stating, "I hope that the entire Korean society can discern right from wrong and voluntarily reject fake news, discrimination, and incitement to enhance friendship between our two nations."
In a subsequent post, he remarked, "Some minority media in Korea have fabricated and disseminated fake news to attract attention and increase viewership," urging adherence to journalistic ethics and factual reporting on China. He added, "Do not continue to deceive readers."
Earlier, President Lee had addressed reports on May 21 regarding Chinese buyers purchasing numerous apartments in Gangnam, suggesting these reports were likely fabricated to serve as propaganda for anti-China sentiment. He vowed to hold those responsible accountable.
The media outlet in question had reported on May 15 that, just before the reintroduction of a capital gains tax on multiple homeowners, Chinese buyers were concentrating their purchases in areas like Gangnam, Songpa, and Yongsan. However, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport refuted this claim, leading to the article's removal.
The ministry clarified that among the 592 foreign buyers who applied for ownership transfer registration for collective buildings in Seoul from January to April this year, only 218 were Chinese, and just five of those purchased properties in Gangnam.
During a Cabinet meeting the previous day, President Lee strongly criticized the report after receiving a briefing from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport.
On May 22, the ambassador shared his thoughts on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), stating, "I hope that the entire Korean society can discern right from wrong and voluntarily reject fake news, discrimination, and incitement to enhance friendship between our two nations."
In a subsequent post, he remarked, "Some minority media in Korea have fabricated and disseminated fake news to attract attention and increase viewership," urging adherence to journalistic ethics and factual reporting on China. He added, "Do not continue to deceive readers."
Earlier, President Lee had addressed reports on May 21 regarding Chinese buyers purchasing numerous apartments in Gangnam, suggesting these reports were likely fabricated to serve as propaganda for anti-China sentiment. He vowed to hold those responsible accountable.
The media outlet in question had reported on May 15 that, just before the reintroduction of a capital gains tax on multiple homeowners, Chinese buyers were concentrating their purchases in areas like Gangnam, Songpa, and Yongsan. However, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport refuted this claim, leading to the article's removal.
The ministry clarified that among the 592 foreign buyers who applied for ownership transfer registration for collective buildings in Seoul from January to April this year, only 218 were Chinese, and just five of those purchased properties in Gangnam.
During a Cabinet meeting the previous day, President Lee strongly criticized the report after receiving a briefing from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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