"Do You Not Want to Be the Chairman of the Korea Communications Commission?" Criticism Pours in on "Outsider" Kim Hong-il

Candidate Kim Hong-il's Confirmation Hearing on the 27th
Criticism Over Lack of Expertise and Qualifications
"Will Accept Concerns and Seek Expert Assistance"

Kim Hong-il, nominee for Chairman of the Korea Communications Commission, listens to questions from lawmakers during a confirmation hearing held at the National Assembly in Seoul on the morning of the 27th. [Image source=Yonhap News]

The lack of expertise and qualifications of Kim Hong-il, the nominee for Chairman of the Korea Communications Commission, emerged as the biggest issue during the confirmation hearing.

On the 27th, the National Assembly's Science, Technology, Information and Broadcasting and Communications Committee held a confirmation hearing for nominee Kim. Opposition party lawmakers unanimously criticized Kim, a former prosecutor, for his lack of qualifications.

Min Hyung-bae, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, asked, "Do you consider yourself to have expertise?" Kim replied, "I will strive to dispel such concerns."

In response, Rep. Min criticized President Yoon Seok-yeol's appointment of Kim as illegal. Article 5, Paragraph 1 of the Korea Communications Commission Act states that "the chairman shall be appointed by the president considering expertise in the broadcasting and information and communications fields," but Kim has no connection to broadcasting or communications.

Rep. Min raised his voice, saying, "It is inappropriate for him to sit in that position and it is a violation of the law," and asked basic qualification verification questions such as "What is fake news?" and "Is there any fairness issue in broadcasting, communications, or media?"

Lee So-young, a Democratic Party lawmaker, told Kim, "It's a stretch for a late bloomer's challenge," and asked frankly, "Honestly, you don't want to be the chairman of the Korea Communications Commission, do you?"

Rep. Lee pointed out, "I don't think public office should be pursued just to satisfy personal ambition," and added, "You have no investigative experience in broadcasting or communications, so you are basically an outsider."

She continued her offensive, asking, "Do you think an outsider should be the overall control tower? Is it acceptable for South Korea to be run this way?"

Jang Kyung-tae, a Democratic Party lawmaker, repeatedly questioned Kim about the basic knowledge required as chairman of the Korea Communications Commission, asking, "What is Twitch?" "What is a global CP?" and "What do you think about network usage fees?"

Yoon Young-chan, a Democratic Party lawmaker, mentioned Kim's past as a prosecutor and criticized him, saying, "He was thoroughly power-oriented, conformist to the trend, and does not view things from the perspective of the weak."

As criticism of his lack of qualifications continued, Kim said, "I humbly accept the criticism that I lack expertise in the broadcasting and communications fields, and I will seek help from experts around me and internally," adding, "I will carefully and diligently understand the legal aspects and regulations and do my best in handling the work."