'Voluntary Resignation' Kim Hong-il: "Impeachment Aimed at Paralyzing the Korea Communications Commission for Political Purposes"

Criticism Toward Opposition in Retirement Speech on the 2nd
"Repeated Resignations Are Unfortunate and Regrettable Reality"

Kim Hong-il, Chairman of the Korea Communications Commission (photo), criticized on the 2nd that "the opposition party's attempt to impeach is a political purpose to paralyze the operation of the KCC."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

At his retirement ceremony held at the Government Complex Gwacheon on the 2nd, Chairman Kim stated, "The opposition party's attempt to impeach is not to seek the Constitutional Court's final legal judgment, but rather a political purpose to paralyze the operation of the KCC by suspending my duties."

Earlier, he voluntarily resigned before the impeachment motion against him, proposed by the opposition, was reported to the plenary session of the National Assembly, and President Yoon Seok-yeol accepted his resignation and approved the dismissal.

Regarding his decision to resign, Chairman Kim said, "Due to the current situation of impeachment by the major opposition party, it was the only way to prevent the worrying situation where broadcasting, communications, and media policies, which greatly affect the daily lives of the people, would be halted for a long time."

He added, "It is unfortunate and regrettable that since last year, the National Assembly has twice pushed for the impeachment of the KCC chairman, leading to the current reality where the chairman resigns."

He also expressed hope, saying, "I hope that my resignation this time will be the last of the repeated confusion and misfortune."

Having taken office in December last year, he recalled, "Over the past six months, I have made my best efforts to enhance the freedom, public nature, and public interest of broadcasting and to protect the rights and interests of the people in the broadcasting and communications media sector."

He emphasized that although it was inevitable to discuss policies and make decisions through a two-person committee system, all procedures were conducted legally and conscientiously.

He continued, "Recently, some unfair expressions of opinion toward the KCC Secretariat staff by certain political circles have gone beyond acceptable limits," and requested, "I ask for restraint in this matter."