Support for the Formation of the Broadcasting Four Acts Advisory Committee
The People Power Party has effectively rejected Speaker Woo Won-shik's mediation proposal to halt the schedule for appointing the board members of public broadcasters related to the Broadcasting Four Laws (amendments to the Broadcasting Act, the Broadcasting Culture Promotion Act, the Korea Educational Broadcasting System Act, and the Act on the Establishment of the Korea Communications Commission). The People Power Party plans to respond with unlimited debate (filibuster) if the opposition party pushes forward with the Broadcasting Four Laws.
Ruling party lawmakers, including Choo Kyung-ho, floor leader of the People Power Party, are performing the national salute at the party meeting held at the National Assembly on the 19th. Photo by Kim Hyun-min kimhyun81@
On the 19th, after concluding a party meeting at the National Assembly, Choo Kyung-ho, the floor leader of the People Power Party, told reporters, "Even during the Moon Jae-in administration, appointments were made according to the current law," adding, "We cannot accept the demand to halt the schedule for appointing public broadcasting board members." He continued, "This is not only the current administration's personnel authority but also a regulation that has been executed in previous administrations," and said, "Since the appointment procedures are proceeding according to the regulations, we have no choice but to proceed as planned."
When asked whether they would respond with a filibuster if the Democratic Party of Korea forcibly passes the Broadcasting Four Laws, Choo said, "We expect the Democratic Party to unilaterally push through the bills in the plenary session on the 25th using their majority power," adding, "If the Democratic Party, together with the Speaker, forcibly holds the plenary session on the 25th and submits the 'Broadcasting Takeover Four Laws,' the illegal strike incitement law, and the cash distribution law, we plan to respond through filibusters in the plenary session."
He added, "We highly appreciate that the opposition party has called for stopping the forced passage of the 'Broadcasting Takeover Four Laws' waiting in the Legislation and Judiciary Committee and halting discussions on impeaching the Chairperson of the Korea Communications Commission," emphasizing, "We expect the opposition party to accept Speaker Woo's proposal as it is and to carry it out faithfully."
He said, "I once again urge Speaker Woo," adding, "The recommendation of candidates for the Korea Communications Commission is currently suspended. The Speaker should quickly recommend candidates for the Korea Communications Commission, which is the National Assembly's nomination quota." Regarding the consultative body proposed by Speaker Woo to reconsider the Broadcasting Four Laws from scratch, he said, "We positively evaluate the formation of an advisory committee composed of experts directly under the Speaker of the National Assembly," and added, "To ensure the fairness and independence of the media, the advisory committee should be formed with an equal number of experts recommended by both ruling and opposition parties."
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