The Korea Communications Commission Resolves Separate Collection of KBS License Fees on the 5th... Commissioner Kim Hyun Begins Indefinite Hunger Strike

The Korea Communications Commission (KCC) will hold a plenary meeting on the 5th to approve an amendment to the Enforcement Decree of the Broadcasting Act, which separates the television broadcasting reception fee (KBS·EBS broadcasting reception fee) from the electricity bill for collection.

Kim Hyo-jae, Acting Chairman of the KCC, held a closed-door meeting with standing commissioners on the 3rd and submitted the amendment to the Enforcement Decree of the Broadcasting Act as an agenda item for approval at the plenary meeting on the 5th.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

During the meeting, there were loud exchanges among the commissioners, and it was reported that Acting Chairman Kim and Commissioner Lee Sang-in left after the meeting ended.

Currently, the KCC is composed of two commissioners recommended by the ruling party and one commissioner recommended by the opposition party. Two seats are vacant. Even if opposition-recommended Commissioner Kim Hyun opposes the amendment, the agenda can still be passed. Once it passes the KCC, it will be approved at the Vice-Ministerial Meeting and the Cabinet Meeting, and after the President’s approval, the enforcement decree could be promulgated as early as mid-month.

Commissioner Kim Hyun, who opposes the bill, held a press conference after the closed-door meeting and announced that he would begin an indefinite hunger strike. In a statement released that day, Commissioner Kim urged "objective and fair operation of the commission" and said, "The separation and collection of TV reception fees, which contradicts the protection of the public’s rights and the independence of public broadcasting, must stop immediately."