Who are the people behind Dispatch?

Article: The journalist behind Kim Tae Hee and Rain, 'We are not the paparazzi'

Source: Sisain Live via Naver

The word 'paparazzi' became the buzz at the start of the New Year in Korea. An internet media outlet named 'Dispatch' had released an article filled with pictures of actress Kim Tae Hee and singer Rain after spending two months following the two stars around until they shot photo evidence that neither could deny. As expected, the impact was huge. The scandal erupted into one after the other, leading to the exposure of Rain's celebrity perks.

But with that also came the public's heightened interest into just who 'Dispatch' actually are. On the day of the article's release, 'Dispatch' was ranked as the most searched keyword on portal sites. While some netizens were amused, speculating that they could work for the CIA, others clicked their tongues at the breach of privacy.

'Dispatch' was launched in March of 2011 and is actually made up of 11 staff members (5 journalists, 4 photographers, 2 desk staff) who are former employees of 'Sports Seoul'. These are the same people who exposed Goo Hara and Junhyung, Sohee and Seulong, and more during their time at 'Sports Seoul'.

Unlike other outlets who keep the names of celebrities under wraps with rumors told through several unidentified associates, 'Dispatch' focused their efforts on exposing the facts with hard picture evidence.

They don't consider themselves to be paparazzis, however. Although they can see why they're criticized as such, they claim that they're different.

"Foreign paparazzis aren't a part of any organization and work on a freelance basis to sell their pictures for the highest price possible. We chose to become photographers to change the way our industry reports 'rumor based' news. We don't sell our pictures. We merely report on the top stars that make millions off of the love of the public." They justify their actions of going undercover and following the cars of celebrities as 'paparazzi style journalism'.

"Scandals are the bread and butter of local news journalists. For entertainment journalists, it's the relationships between the stars. We do have a set of rules to abide by: articles are not released unless we've confirmed with photo evidence in four different instances, we do not report on the relationships of rookie stars, and we do not expose adultery. I think this is enough to set us apart from your standard paparazzi."

The media industry doesn't seem to know how to respond with the change 'Dispatch' has brought about with their launch. One journalist said, "I'm jealous that they get so much exclusive content, but I'm also worried that they're dirtying the field."

Another said, "It's hard to separate celebrities from their personal lives when they voluntarily share them on shows like 'Strong Heart' and glamorize it on 'We Got Married'. There is a desire within the public to see something more real and tangible behind their favorite stars and Dispatch's paparazzi style of reporting only fuels those desires."

Whether or not Dispatch's style will catch on with the rest of the industry remains up in the air.

'Dispatch' journalist Kim Yong Duk disagrees because you don't earn enough for the effort it requires. "Other outlets tried to put together a few teams like us but they all ended up failing. You only land about 4-5 scandals a year and there's no market for the pictures. For companies with CEOs that are driven by profit, it's only a matter of time before they give up and go back to the old routine."

'Sports World' journalist Han Jun Ho sees it the other way. "Korea's entertainment industry continues to grow every day and people are becoming more aware of the benefits of copyrighted photos. I think it's possible that more outlets will pursue this style of reporting."

'Sports Seoul' actually sold a photo of David Beckham partying at a club in Seoul to the UK's 'The Sun' for $10,000 USD in 2008.

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1. [+563, -43] It's the same thing as otakus adamantly denying that they're not otakus ㅋㅋㅋ

2. [+415, -10] Taking a person's picture without their permission is indeed the act of a paparazzi. Just because you have a business card doesn't mean you're a journalist.

3. [+367, -16] 'Paparazzi style journalism' basically means you're a paparazzi.

4. [+328, -12] I think there's a misunderstanding here. You guys are paparazzis.

5. [+309, -31] This is an invasion of privacy. Even non-celebrities can sue for violation of their portrait rights if they get their picture taken without permission. Celebrities just don't do it because they don't want to risk their image.

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