Unification minister asks President Lee to boost fact-check budget, citing fake news about 'North Korean daughter'

Unification Minister Jeong Dong-young asked President Lee Jae Myung on Tuesday to increase the budget for fact-checking, saying he himself was a victim of fake news.

Speaking at a Cabinet meeting at Cheong Wa Dae, Jeong told the president, "Mr. President, regarding fact-checking — I am a victim of fake news."

Earlier in the meeting, President Lee had said, "Since fake news and fact-checking are problems that cut across all of society, how about significantly expanding so-called fact-check-related projects at universities to give students hands-on experience?"

Lee added, "It is important to be aware of how damaging fake news can be, genuine fact-checking of fake news is truly necessary, and education and practice in that process are also needed — so I think it would be good to work with the National Assembly on the budget and try to increase it substantially." Jeong then made his comment in response.

When President Lee asked Jeong what kind of victim he was, Jeong replied, "Recently, there was fake news about a 27-year-old daughter of mine in North Korea … "

Lee asked, "It was not covered in the press, was it?" Jeong said, "Yes. The video racked up hundreds of thousands of views. I filed a criminal complaint, but the damage is irreversible," adding, "I really hope you can increase the fact-checking budget."

Lee laughed and asked Jeong, "What's the name they gave the fake daughter?" Jeong replied, "What does not add up is that it was 21 years ago when I visited Pyongyang — the age just does not work out."

Lee joked, "Well, she could have aged quickly."