Rise in YouTube-Related Media Disputes Prompts Calls for Regulatory Updates
South Korea is experiencing a surge in disputes related to content published on YouTube by media organizations, prompting calls for revisions to existing media regulations. The increase reflects a broader shift in news consumption from traditional media – newspapers and broadcasting – to online video platforms.
Surge in Disputes
In 2025, the Press Arbitration Commission (PAC) processed a total of 4,026 mediation cases, a significant increase from previous years. Notably, cases directly targeting YouTube channels operated by media companies rose dramatically, increasing by approximately 2.5 times from 43 cases in 2024 to 106 cases in 2025. [아이뉴스24] This contrasts with a roughly 19% decrease in cases where adjustments to YouTube content were requested as a secondary measure alongside disputes concerning original reporting in newspapers or broadcasts, falling from 223 in 2024 to 181 in 2025. [아이뉴스24]
Changing Role of YouTube
The PAC attributes this increase to YouTube’s evolving role in the media landscape. Once considered a supplementary distribution channel, YouTube is now frequently utilized as a primary news source. [아이뉴스24] This shift necessitates a reevaluation of existing regulations to effectively address disputes arising from content on the platform.
Dominance of Internet-Based Media in Disputes
Internet-based media continue to be the primary source of disputes. Of the 4,026 cases handled by the PAC in 2025, internet newspapers accounted for the largest share at 2,579 cases (64.1%). [아이뉴스24] This was followed by internet news services (451 cases, 11.2%), broadcasting (331 cases, 8.2%), newspapers (311 cases, 7.8%), and news communication services (242 cases, 6.0%). [아이뉴스24] Collectively, disputes involving internet-based media exceeded 80% of all cases.
Case Resolution and Processing Times
The damage relief rate for cases handled by the PAC was 69.9%, indicating that approximately seven out of ten disputes were resolved amicably through mediation. [Daum] However, the average processing time for cases increased to 28.7 days in 2025, up from 25.7 days the previous year. [Daum] This is despite a legal requirement to handle cases within 14 days, meaning actual processing times are double the mandated limit.
Need for Increased Resources
The PAC has highlighted the need for increased resources to address the growing caseload, particularly in the Seoul and Gyeonggi Province regions. The arbitration department responsible for handling these disputes has not been expanded since 2014. [Daum] Expanding the department is considered crucial for providing more timely and effective relief to those affected by media disputes.
Accessing the Press Arbitration Commission
Individuals who believe they have been harmed by inaccurate reporting can contact the Press Arbitration Commission for assistance. The commission offers swift, fair, and free mediation services. [YouTube] The commission can be reached by phone at 02-397-3114 or through their damage consultation line at 02-397-3114. [YouTube] More information is available on the PAC website: https://www.pac.or.kr/kor/main/