What 기레기 means
A blend of 기자 (journalist) and 쓰레기 (trash). A slur for reporters seen as copying without checking, sensationalizing, or slanting the news.
Origin
It spread right after the April 2014 Sewol ferry disaster, amid anger at the false “all rescued” reports and sensational coverage (Maeil Shinmun, Money Today). Whether it was used this way before is unconfirmed.
Journalists' verdict
In a 2014 Journalists Association of Korea survey, 68.7% of 303 reporters said the label was accurate.
Careful
It's a clear slur. Today people on every side of politics often aim it at any reporter whose story they disagree with.
Word history
Community definitions (2)
A slur blending 기자 (journalist) and 쓰레기 (trash), used for reporters seen as sloppy, sensationalist or biased. It spread widely after coverage of the 2014 Sewol ferry disaster.
'기자'와 '쓰레기'를 합친 말로, 사실 확인 없이 받아쓰거나 선정적·편향적으로 보도하는 기자를 낮잡아 이르는 멸칭이다. 2014년 세월호 참사 보도를 계기로 널리 퍼졌다.
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