KCC Recommends Dismissal of KBS Director Over Alleged Intentional Point Deduction by TV Chosun

Chairman of the Review Committee at TV Chosun's 2020 Reauthorization
Indicted for Score Manipulation Allegations and Tried Without Detention
MTN Fine Reduced by 20% from Original 30 Million Won

The Korea Communications Commission decided to recommend the dismissal of Yoon Seok-nyeon, a KBS board member accused of deliberately lowering TV Chosun's scores. The commission announced on the 12th that it passed this resolution at its 24th meeting.

The commission stated, "Yoon Seok-nyeon, as a public broadcasting board member, is required to uphold high moral standards and integrity according to social norms. However, he was arrested and indicted for illegal activities, damaging KBS's reputation and significantly undermining public trust." It added, "We have determined that it is no longer possible for him to appropriately perform his duties as a KBS board member, and therefore, after prior notification and a hearing in accordance with the Administrative Procedures Act, we have decided to recommend his dismissal." Yoon is suspected of manipulating the scores during the 2020 comprehensive programming and news channel evaluation, where he served as the chief examiner for TV Chosun's license renewal. He has been indicted by the prosecution on these charges and is currently undergoing trial while out on bail.

On the same day, the commission also reviewed a request for reconsideration regarding the fine imposed on Money Today Network (MTN). Previously, MTN received disciplinary sanctions against its personnel and was fined 30 million won for violating the same regulation three times, prompting the request for reconsideration. After deliberation, considering MTN's apology broadcast and efforts to prevent recurrence, the commission decided to reduce the original fine by 20%, imposing a fine of 24 million won.