Broadcasting Commission Initiates Hearing Procedure for Dismissal Recommendation of Nam Young-jin, KBS Chairman

[Image source=Yonhap News]

The Korea Communications Commission (KCC) is set to begin the hearing process to recommend the dismissal of Nam Young-jin, chairman of KBS.

On the 24th, Acting Chairman Kim Hyo-jae of the KCC convened a standing committee meeting to share this information with the commissioners, and it is reported that on the 25th, Nam will be notified of the commencement of the hearing process.

Nam is currently under investigation by the Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission over allegations of improper use of corporate credit cards. However, Acting Chairman Kim and others are reportedly pushing for Nam’s dismissal recommendation based on poor management performance, separate from the investigation.

The KCC plans to hold a hearing on the 9th of next month to hear Nam’s explanation, and then vote on the dismissal recommendation at a plenary session on the 16th.

If the KCC wishes to dismiss the KBS chairman, it must recommend the dismissal to the President, who holds the authority to dismiss.

Currently, the KCC consists of three members: Acting Chairman Kim and Commissioner Lee Sang-in, both recommended by the government and ruling party, and Commissioner Kim Hyun, recommended by the opposition. Even if Commissioner Kim Hyun opposes, the recommendation can pass with a 2-to-1 majority. At the meeting, Commissioner Kim Hyun also left the room, citing procedural flaws in the push for Nam’s dismissal recommendation.

If Nam is dismissed following former commissioner Yoon Seok-nyeon, and two vacancies are filled by ruling party appointees, the 11-member KBS board of directors will shift its political balance from the current 5-to-6 opposition majority to a 6-to-5 ruling party majority.