The Korea Communications Commission Holds First Meeting Under Acting Leadership... Heated Debate Among Members Over Agenda

In-Person Meeting Held After 3 Months
Standing Committee Member Sang-in Lee and Secretary General Seong-eun Jo Attend for the First Time
Vice Chairman and Operational Methods Spark Heated Debate

The first full meeting of the Korea Communications Commission (KCC) was held since Kim Hyo-jae, the standing commissioner, took on the role of acting chairman. During this face-to-face meeting held after three months, tensions arose among the standing commissioners.

The KCC held the full meeting on the 7th at the Government Complex Gwacheon.

Acting Chairman of the Korea Communications Commission Kim Hyo-jae and other commissioners attended the plenary meeting held at the Gwacheon Korea Communications Commission on the 7th. [Image source=Yonhap News]

This face-to-face meeting was held about three months after the meeting was suspended due to a prosecution investigation into allegations of manipulation in the TV Chosun license renewal review in March. It was the first meeting under the acting chairman Kim’s leadership following the dismissal of former chairman Han Sang-hyuk. Also, this was the first time that standing commissioner Lee Sang-in, appointed last month by presidential recommendation, and Secretary-General Cho Sung-eun, appointed on the 1st, took their seats.

On this day, the KCC deliberated and resolved the detailed plan for the 2023 terrestrial broadcasting business license renewal and the basic plan for new FM radio broadcasting station licenses.

Before the agenda was approved, Acting Chairman Kim, newly appointed Commissioner Lee, and Secretary-General Cho delivered their greetings. Acting Chairman Kim said, "This is an extraordinary situation. Taking on the role of acting chairman in such an environment is a great burden, and I deeply feel the weight of this responsibility. The tasks before us are all difficult and complex, and cannot be solved with a single stroke. While carrying out the duties entrusted to us by law, we pledge to do our best to be swift without omissions, and cautious without delay, and I also ask the organization members to do the same."

Commissioner Lee stated, "Centered on Acting Chairman Kim, Commissioner Kim Hyun, and the Secretariat, we will strive to successfully conclude the 5th KCC. In the 6th term, together with the members, we will prepare innovative broadcasting, media, and communication policies focused on users and do our utmost to achieve results that many citizens can feel."

Secretary-General Cho said, "I feel a great weight on my heart as I take on the important role of Secretary-General in these difficult times. Supporting Acting Chairman Kim, Commissioner Kim, and Commissioner Lee, I will do my best to ensure the 5th KCC concludes well and that the newly starting 6th KCC gets off to a good start."

Meanwhile, during the meeting, tensions arose among the standing commissioners when Commissioner Lee raised agenda items regarding the long-vacant vice-chairman election and the consent to the dismissal proposal of KBS director Yoon Seok-nyeon.

Commissioner Kim said, "The precedent is to report 48 hours in advance through a closed meeting, submit the agenda within 24 hours, and make it a public agenda. How can an agenda be submitted publicly in this manner?" He added, "In 2017, when the chairman position was vacant and there was a three-member system, operations were based on legal advice. Legal advice is needed on how to operate the three-member system. Convening a meeting and discussing matters such as the vice-chairman election or issues requiring social consensus without seeking legal advice itself is a legal violation."

Commissioner Lee responded, "The law clearly stipulates the convening of meetings and quorum. Committee meetings are resolved by the majority of the total members. According to legal opinion, meetings and quorum are possible even with three members."

Acting Chairman Kim said, "I acknowledge Commissioner Kim’s proposal to seek legal advice, and I will carefully review it and handle it with the Secretariat."