Park Sung-jung Submits National Audit Request for Kim Eo-jun's TBS Traffic Broadcasting

[Asia Economy Reporter Naju-seok] Park Sung-joong, a member of the People Power Party, submitted a request for a national audit by the Board of Audit and Inspection regarding TBS Traffic Broadcasting together with civic groups.

In a press release on the day, Representative Park introduced the fact that the national audit request was submitted due to reasons such as excessive appearance fees and budget waste. The national audit request was made together with the Lawyers' Association for Human Rights and Unification of Korea, the Federation of Free Press Citizens, the Free Democratic Citizens' Union, the Legislative Monitoring Group, and the Freedom Solidarity.

He stated, "Every year, about 40 billion won of Seoul citizens' tax money is invested in TBS, and according to its articles of incorporation, TBS should provide traffic and lifestyle information as well as local-related information through broadcasting," adding, "However, Mr. Kim Eo-jun, through TBS's News Factory, was even evaluated as the 'peak of distortion and agitation' and the 'ultimate biased broadcasting,' seemingly taking on the role of the Democratic Party's campaign committee chairman during the April 7 by-election."

Representative Park said, "Until now, TBS has paid high appearance fees to Kim Eo-jun, who has received the most warnings for spreading fake news and violating political neutrality obligations without any specific standards or even a contract," and introduced, "Mr. Kim is estimated to have received more than 2.3 billion won in appearance fees over five years behind the scenes, and there are even allegations of tax evasion through his one-person corporation, 'Corporation Kim Eo-jun.'"