Korea Communications Commission Chairman Han Sang-hyuk: "Devastated Feelings... If It's Pressure to Resign, It Must Stop"

Sang-Hyuk Han, Chairman of the Korea Communications Commission Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Oh Su-yeon] Han Sang-hyuk, Chairman of the Korea Communications Commission (KCC), expressed his "deep sorrow" on the 11th regarding the situation where KCC directors and managers face the risk of detention over allegations of score manipulation in the TV Chosun re-approval evaluation. Chairman Han emphasized that if the recent audits and inspections targeting the KCC are intended to pressure the chairman into early resignation, they must be stopped immediately.

In a statement released that day, Chairman Han said, "If there are any issues with the operation and decisions of the KCC, the responsibility should lie with all standing commissioners involved in the decision-making process, especially myself as the chairman." He added, "Through my long public service career, I believe that public officials who dedicate themselves infinitely to the nation and its people should not suffer due to matters beyond their responsibility."

The KCC is currently under audit by the Board of Audit and Inspection and investigation by the prosecution over allegations of deliberately lowering scores during the 2020 TV Chosun re-approval evaluation process. On the same day, the prosecution booked a KCC policy committee member on charges related to involvement in the re-approval evaluation. Pre-trial detention hearings for the director and manager are also underway.

Regarding this, Chairman Han explained, "The re-approval evaluation of the relevant comprehensive programming channel was conducted independently by evaluators appointed through consultation among KCC commissioners, and the final decision on re-approval was made through a resolution process involving standing commissioners including the chairman." He added, "In this process, the secretariat, including the director and manager, only played a limited role in administratively supporting the evaluation and resolution procedures."

He also stated, "I recall that all members of the secretariat, especially those in the evaluation support team who carried out the evaluation tasks at that time, made their best efforts to ensure the transparency and independence of the evaluation procedures despite the difficult circumstances caused by COVID-19." He expressed regret, saying, "It is heartbreaking that such efforts are now being judged in this way."

The KCC has undergone multiple audits and inspections since the Board of Audit and Inspection began its audit in June. Chairman Han said, "Dozens of employees have undergone harsh investigations, and even those not investigated are expressing extreme anxiety without exception." He emphasized, "I hope this is not true, but if all audits and inspections targeting the KCC are intended to pressure the chairman into early resignation, such actions must be immediately stopped as unjust."

Chairman Han added, "Not only as the KCC chairman but also as a legal professional specializing in law, I believe that guaranteeing the term of office by law is a legal and institutional measure to ensure not only the commission but also the independence of broadcasting." He said, "There may be differences of opinion, but the adjustment and resolution of such differences should be achieved through discussion and consultation, not by unilateral coercion."

He concluded by urging, "I sincerely hope that all misunderstandings regarding the director and manager will be resolved so that they can return to work and fulfill their mission as public officials serving the people."