Jin-sook Lee "MBC, Union Influences Key Decisions... Considering Solutions to Resolve Issues"

Candidate for Broadcasting Commission Chairperson Hearing on the 24th
"Producers' Autonomy and Appointment Consent System Should Be Held by the Union"

Candidate for Chairperson of the Korea Communications Commission, Lee Jin-sook, stated on the 24th, "MBC has become a situation where the labor union practically controls important decisions."

Lee Jin-sook, nominee for the Chairperson of the Korea Communications Commission, is delivering a greeting at the confirmation hearing held on the 24th at the National Assembly's Science, Technology, Information and Broadcasting and Communications Committee. Photo by Hyunmin Kim kimhyun81@

At the confirmation hearing held that day by the National Assembly's Science, Technology, Information and Broadcasting Communications Committee, Candidate Lee said, "As the media labor union has become a leading force within the company, its political nature has been greatly strengthened."

She added, "The labor union effectively holds two key aspects in reality: production autonomy and the appointment consent system."

Candidate Lee recalled, "There was a time when I worked in the same space with Commissioner Jeong Dong-young, whom I called Senior Jeong," and said, "Back then, it was a period when we tried to advertise to each other on MBC News Desk, engaging in so-called behind-the-scenes lobbying, and MBC was also called the 'Drama Kingdom' and 'Entertainment Kingdom.'"

Park Jeong-hoon, a member of the People Power Party, asked, "Even if the president of MBC changes, can any balance or fairness in MBC's reporting be ensured?"

In response, Candidate Lee said, "I cannot directly address internal issues of MBC," but added, "If I am appointed, I will consider what measures can be taken to resolve these issues."