Council of Europe - Venice Commission

KOREA - Public Offical Election Act

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Article 82

(Interviews or Debates by Press Inviting Candidates, etc.)

(1) The press, such as a television or radio broadcasting facility (referring to the broadcasting facilities under Article 70 (1); hereafter the same hall apply in this Article), newspaper business operators under subparagraph 3 of Article 2 of the Act on the Promotion of Newspapers, etc. and periodical business operators under subparagraph 2 of Article 2 of the Act on Promotion of Periodicals, Including Magazines (excluding those who publish information publications, electronic publications and other publications), news agencies provided for in subparagraph 3 of Article 2 of the Act on Promotion of News Communications or Internet press agencies (hereafter referred to as the "press" in this Article) may hold and report on an interview or debate to inquire about the platform and policy of a political party to which the candidate concerned belongs, or the candidate's political views or other matters by inviting the candidate or one or more interviewers or debaters (referring to those designated by the candidate, from among those who are eligible to engage in an election campaign) with the consent of the candidate during the election campaign period: Provided, That an interview or debate inviting any person who intends to be a candidate, may be held and reported from one year before the election day in the presidential election, and from 60 days before the
election day in the election of National Assembly members or the election of the heads of local governments to one day before the commencement date of the election period, notwithstanding the provisions of Article 59.

In such cases, if the broadcasting facilities intend to hold an interview or debate and to broadcast it, they shall air it in unedited forum, and notify
the competent constituency election commission of the date and time, proceeding methods, etc. of the interview or debate pursuant to Regulations of the National Election Commission.

(2) An interview or debate under paragraph (1) shall be held autonomously by the press, in consideration of the broadcasting hour, space of
newspaper, etc.

(3) An interview or debate under paragraph (1) shall proceed impartially, and matters necessary therefor shall be prescribed by Regulations of the National Election Commission.

(4) The provisions of Articles 71 (12), 72 (2) and 81 (2), (6) and (7) shall apply mutatis mutandis to an interview or debate by the press inviting
candidates, etc.