President Yoon Suk-yeol approved the dismissal of Han Sang-hyuk, Chairman of the Korea Communications Commission (KCC), on the 30th. The leading candidate for the next KCC Chairman is Lee Dong-gwan, former Blue House Chief of Public Relations, who has served as a special advisor for external cooperation since President Yoon’s inauguration.
"Responsibility for Command and Supervision and Violation of Duty"
President Yoon judged that Chairman Han was unable to perform his duties properly as the KCC Chairman. The Presidential Office cited the indictment and hearing materials regarding Han Sang-hyuk, stating, "Chairman Han completely failed to fulfill his responsibilities as the person in charge of commanding and supervising the KCC officials, including the department head and the review chairman who were arrested and indicted on charges of manipulating evaluation scores during the TV Chosun license renewal review process." Furthermore, the Presidential Office pointed out that when Chairman Han received a report from staff stating there were no issues in the TV Chosun license renewal process, he said, "This is maddening. I’m going to get some criticism," as an example of "betraying fairness as the KCC Chairman." Additionally, the Presidential Office specified obstruction of official duties (violation of Criminal Act Article 137), abuse of authority (violation of Criminal Act Article 123), and falsification of official documents (violation of Criminal Act Article 227) as reasons for the dismissal.
Chairman Han is highly likely to contest the dismissal. He has announced plans to file for a suspension of execution injunction and initiate an administrative lawsuit, claiming the dismissal is unjust. Accordingly, legal battles over the validity of the dismissal are expected to continue even after his term expires in July. Chairman Han was appointed during the Moon Jae-in administration. Since President Yoon’s inauguration, Han has been excluded from attending Cabinet meetings and has received work reports only in writing. Han stated, "I cannot accept this," and added, "I will proceed with a request to cancel the dismissal and apply for suspension of its effect."
The Next KCC Chairman
The Presidential Office plans to announce the new KCC Chairman next month and have them begin their term in August. The leading candidate for the successor is former Chief Lee Dong-gwan. There appear to be no other contenders. Lee previously served as the Blue House Chief of Public Relations during the Lee Myung-bak (MB) administration. He also served as a special advisor during the 20th Presidential Transition Committee when President Yoon was the president-elect.
With Chairman Han’s dismissal, the KCC will operate under a temporary three-member system. The remaining commissioners are Kim Hyo-jae and Lee Sang-in, recommended by the ruling party, and Kim Hyun, recommended by the opposition. The terms of Kim Hyo-jae and Kim Hyun expire on August 23. Among them, the acting chairman is expected to be the senior member, Kim Hyo-jae. The former vice chairman, Ahn Hyung-hwan, who was recommended by the People Power Party, currently leaves the position vacant. This is because the appointment of former lawmaker Choi Min-hee, recommended by the Democratic Party, is on hold.
Once the KCC is fully staffed, the government’s broadcasting reform is expected to accelerate. On the same day, at the National Assembly plenary session, Jang Je-won of the People Power Party was elected as the Chair of the Science, Technology, Information and Communications Committee. Chairman Jang said, "We will expedite reform efforts to restore public trust by establishing proper public responsibilities in the broadcasting and telecommunications sectors."
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
