Early this April, Sung Wan-Jong, the former chairman of Keangnam Enterprises hanged himself with a handwritten list of politicians who are believed to have received political financial bribes.

Sung was suspected for committing accounting fraud of 95 billion won and mortgage fraud of 8 billion won, and raising slash fund worth of 2 billion won. These violations resulted in the loss of public funds and charges of corruption.

He cried out for his innocence during a press interview. Sung denied all allegations of wrongdoing and “strong” connections with the former Lee Myung-Bak administration. However, all the evidence that is gradually revealed these days clearly shows that he has definitely done something wrong.

It was shocking to see comments on Facebook and other SNS that say they are sorry for Sung and wish he rests in peace. His performance during the interview deceived many people when he claimed to be a victim of our current government. Mass media is at the core of instigating this phenomenon.

Although he illegally used government loans collected from tax payers, the mass media only focuses on his crocodile tears and death. They are making a frame, and some people are locked in this frame: the manipulation of the mass media.

Some mass media spotlights mostly on corrupted congressmen and have a tendency to portray Sung as a victim. Yet, there is no smoke without fire. Even with the ongoing unveiling of evidence on Sung’s corruptions, people are still locked inside the media’s frame and believe only what they want to see. Therefore, we as talented citizens should break away from this frame and judge for ourselves by having an objective stance.