Quotation and Passive Reporting Style
Reporters frequently use quotation and passive forms to make a source explicit or to avoid asserting something outright. The classic example is '-(으)ㄴ 것으로 알려졌다' (it is reported that ~).
Reported and Inferred Forms
| Form | Meaning |
|---|---|
| -(으)ㄴ/는 것으로 알려졌다 | it is known/reported that ~ |
| -(으)ㄴ/는 것으로 전해졌다 | it is reported that ~ |
| -(으)ㄴ/는 것으로 보인다 | it appears that ~ |
| -다고 밝혔다 / 말했다 | stated / said that ~ (direct attribution) |
해당 기업이 연내 추가 투자를 검토하고 있는 것으로 알려졌다.
haedang gieobi yeonnae chuga tujareul geomtohago inneun geoseuro allyeojyeotda.
It is reported that the company is reviewing additional investment within the year. (Source unstated, hedged.)
정부 관계자는 "추가 대책을 조만간 발표하겠다"고 밝혔다.
jeongbu gwangyejaneun "chuga daechaegeul jomangan balpyohagetda"go balhyeotda.
A government official stated, "We will announce additional measures soon." (Direct quote + attribution.)
이번 사고로 인한 피해 규모는 아직 정확히 집계되지 않은 것으로 전해졌다.
ibeon sagoro inhan pihae gyumoneun ajik jeonghwakhi jipgyedoeji aneun geoseuro jeonhaejyeotda.
It is reported that the extent of damage from the accident has not yet been precisely tallied.
Passive Constructions
Passives are used to conceal the agent or to heighten objectivity: '집계되다' (be tallied), '제기되다' (be raised), '관측되다' (be observed). They carry more distance than the active '~했다'.
| Passive form | Active | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 제기되다 | 제기하다 | be raised (an issue/objection) |
| 지적되다 | 지적하다 | be pointed out |
| 관측되다 | 관측하다 | be observed/projected |
| 풀이된다 | 풀이하다 | is interpreted as |
이번 인사를 두고 당내 반발이 거세질 것이라는 관측이 제기된다.
ibeon insareul dugo dangnae banbari geoseejil geosiraneun gwancheugi jegidoenda.
Observers suggest that internal party backlash over this appointment is likely to intensify. (Agent hidden via passive.)
전문가들은 이를 경기 회복의 신호로 풀이하고 있다고 한다.
jeonmungadeureun ireul gyeonggi hoeboge sinhoro purihago itdago handa.
Experts are said to interpret this as a signal of economic recovery. ('-고 한다' = reportedly.)
💡 Tip: The forms '알려졌다 / 전해졌다 / 보인다' signal that the reporter is not fully certain or is shielding a source. Learn to read the difference in tone from the assertive '~했다'.