Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy Kim Jeong-gwan has filed a criminal complaint with the Seoul Metropolitan Police against three YouTube channel operators who alleged that 900,000 barrels of oil stored at the Ulsan petroleum reserve were diverted to North Korea.
The ministry said Kim charged the channel operators with defamation for spreading false statements under the Criminal Act and the Information and Communications Network Act, and with obstruction of business.
\"Fake news is a serious crime that disrupts public order and undermines the country's ability to respond to crises,\" Kim said, adding that the government would respond firmly.
Separately, the ministry has launched an audit of the Korea National Oil Corporation over its failure to exercise a right of first refusal on oil volumes sold by foreign companies.
#NorthKorea #oil
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Im Hye-jun (junelim@yna.co.kr)
