Joo Ho-young: "Moon must investigate Han Sang-hyuk's illegal acts and immediately dismiss him... National audit on media collusion" (Comprehensive)

Joo Ho-young, floor leader of the United Future Party, holds a press conference on recent issues at the National Assembly on the 6th. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporters Lee Ji-eun and Kim Hye-min] Joo Ho-young, floor leader of the United Future Party, criticized Han Sang-hyuk, Chairman of the Korea Communications Commission, saying that "his participation in the ruling party-government-Blue House meeting itself is inappropriate," and raised his voice that President Moon should dismiss him if illegal activities are investigated and revealed. He also emphasized the need for a parliamentary investigation or special prosecutor to identify the government official who called lawyer Kwon Kyung-ae, saying "there will be reports to oust Han Dong-hoon (Chief Prosecutor)."

On the morning of the 6th, Floor Leader Joo held a press conference at the National Assembly and said, "Chairman Han attended the ruling party-government-Blue House meeting together with the Blue House and the Democratic Party of Korea to discuss major broadcasting and communication policy issues such as allowing mid-term advertisements on terrestrial broadcasting and regulating domestic and international online video services, which is clearly illegal."

He pointed out, "The Democratic Party awkwardly claims that only the 'Nth Room' issue was discussed and that there was no mention of mid-term advertisements, but it is inappropriate conduct for the head of the broadcasting and communications commission, who should maintain neutrality, to participate in the ruling party-government-Blue House meeting itself," adding, "The Democratic Party previously criticized the attendance of the Communications Commission chairman at such meetings and demanded dismissal."

Floor Leader Joo also raised suspicions of 'media collusion' based on lawyer Kwon's revelations. He said, "She revealed that the person in charge of broadcasting who attends the weekly presidential meetings must be identified," and added, "If that person who attends the weekly presidential meetings was involved in this matter, it cannot be anything other than media collusion."

Lawyer Kwon, a former member of the Lawyers for a Democratic Society (Minbyun) who has criticized the current administration's policies, previously stated on Facebook, "The person in charge of broadcasting who attends the weekly presidential meetings pleaded, 'Han Dong-hoon will definitely be ousted and reports will come out, so please stop using Facebook.'"

Joo Ho-young, floor leader of the United Future Party, holds a press conference on recent issues at the National Assembly on the 6th. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

Floor Leader Joo emphasized, "If true, this is not only a violation of the fairness and neutrality of broadcasting but also a serious national scandal involving the privatization of the state power system," and added, "This matter must be clearly revealed through a parliamentary investigation or special prosecutor."

He said, "It would be best if lawyer Kwon reveals it herself, but she also took down her Facebook post and requested restraint," and pointed out, "If the Communications Commission chairman directly said this to lawyer Kwon, it means she played a central role in media collusion rather than just collusion between prosecutors and media. If not, and it was someone assisting the president at the Blue House, then it can only be seen as a premeditated attempt to frame it as prosecutor-media collusion along with the Office of Civil Affairs."

He continued, "There was a case where President Moon dismissed Jeon Gwang-sam, a Communications Commissioner recommended by our party, citing political interference," and added, "Since Chairman Han is a public official for whom political neutrality is even more important, President Moon should promptly investigate Chairman Han's illegal activities and immediately dismiss him if any illegality is found."

Regarding this, Park Sung-joong, the United Future Party's Policy and Broadcasting Committee secretary, criticized, "Chairman Han should resign and undergo investigation," and said, "We have continuously pointed out that he lacks the qualifications to be Communications Commission chairman due to serious political bias, and now the truth has been revealed."

He pointed out, "The background and details must be thoroughly revealed through seizure of Chairman Han's mobile phone and other means," and added, "There are countless illegal acts including violations of the Broadcasting Act due to illegal attendance at the ruling party-government-Blue House meeting, intimidation charges, and violations related to the MBC Newsdesk operation."

Meanwhile, in response to reporters' questions about 'Ryu Ho-jeong, Justice Party lawmaker's clothing controversy,' Floor Leader Joo said, "I am not sure if it is appropriate to mention another party's matters, but I understand that lawmaker Ryu was criticized for her clothing because it did not please Democratic Party members in relation to the condolence for the late Mayor Park Won-soon of Seoul," and added, "This is very wrong, and if there are any sexually harassing remarks, they should be condemned and punished even more."

Regarding the nationwide flood damage, he said, "Since the damage situation is severe and widespread by region, the central government should urgently designate special disaster zones and deploy all available resources including contingency funds and special budgets to ensure thorough recovery and protection of residents," and added, "The disaster compensation amounts established 15 years ago, such as 1 million won for private homes and 2 million won for commercial establishments, are unrealistic and too low, so they should be raised to reflect current realities."