Court Blocks Dismissal of Kim Ki-jung from MBC Board... Returns to Duty

Court: "Suspension of Effect Necessary to Prevent Irreparable Damage"

The court ruled to suspend the dismissal order issued by the Korea Communications Commission against Kim Ki-jung, a director of the Broadcasting Culture Promotion Foundation (MBC major shareholder).

The Seoul Administrative Court Administrative Division 4 (Chief Judge Kim Jeong-jung) accepted Kim's application for suspension of the execution of the dismissal order against the Korea Communications Commission on the 1st.

The effect of the dismissal order against Director Kim is suspended until the 30th day from the date of the first trial verdict in the main lawsuit seeking cancellation of the dismissal order. Kim will immediately return to his duties.

The court stated, "Since the performance of duties as a director of the Broadcasting Culture Promotion Foundation is related to the expression and development of an individual's expertise and character, it is difficult to conclude that the damage Kim suffers from dismissal is limited to economic interests such as not receiving remuneration," adding, "There is an urgent need to suspend the effect to prevent irreparable harm."

It also pointed out, "A significant portion of the reasons for Kim's dismissal are related to the deliberation and resolution of the board of directors of the Broadcasting Culture Promotion Foundation," and "It is difficult to see that he violated the duty of care as a good manager as an individual director, so the public welfare gained by dismissing him cannot be considered significant."

However, the court dismissed Kim's request to halt the appointment process of his successor.

Earlier, on September 18, the Korea Communications Commission resolved to dismiss Kim, citing reasons such as undermining the fairness of MBC's audit operations, inadequate verification during the appointment process of the MBC president, and negligence in management and supervision of MBC and its affiliates.