[Asia Economy Reporter Heo Midam] Broadcaster Kim Eo-jun, who has been embroiled in controversies over political bias in broadcasting and high appearance fees, stated on the 29th that he has "no intention of quitting" in response to demands for his resignation from the program.
On this day, Hong Moon-pyo, a member of the People Power Party, who appeared on TBS Radio's "Kim Eo-jun's News Factory," told Kim, "It might be okay to quit 'News Factory' while you're doing well." Kim replied, "I have no intention of quitting now."
Then, Representative Hong pointed out, "The dominant analysis is that the broadcast has lost its fairness," to which Kim said, "There are people who think that way."
In response, Representative Hong said, "If there are many such opinions, shouldn't you follow them? I'm raising the issue. It's better to quit while you're doing well," urging him again to step down. Hearing this, Kim said, "I can do even better. I haven't reached my peak yet."
Hong Moon-pyo, member of the People Power Party. Photo by TBS Radio, screenshot from 'Kim Eo-jun's News Factory'.
Also, Representative Hong said, "Personally, I have no complaints. I liked coming here ('News Factory') and talking about what's inside me," adding, "But since there are many opinions in public opinion and various data that '(Kim) should quit,' I asked the question. Please understand."
Then, Song Young-gil, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea who appeared together, argued, "There are many comprehensive programming channels that broadcast biased content all day long."
Afterwards, Kim said, "I will arrange a time to discuss this next time," emphasizing again, "I am not yet at my peak." In response, Representative Hong said, "You are at your peak."
Meanwhile, recently, the People Power Party raised suspicions that Kim was paid 2 million won per episode without a contract, exceeding the TBS production cost payment regulations.
As the controversy grew, TBS stated that the host's appearance fees are personal information and cannot be disclosed, but added, "The radio program hosted by Kim has been the number one radio program in listener ratings for over three years, and the production costs, including Kim's appearance fees, account for less than 10% of total revenue."
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