Ministry of Science and ICT Candidate Written Response
"Mentions Impact on Global Competitiveness"
Yoo Sang-im, the nominee for Minister of Science and ICT, expressed that while the abolition of the Device Distribution Act is necessary, the separated subsidy disclosure system between telecom carriers and manufacturers should be carefully reviewed.
As key policies to reduce household communication expenses, he cited strengthening the competitiveness of MVNO operators, expanding the provision of communication fee information, revitalizing subsidy competition among operators, and expanding device choice.
Nominee Yoo revealed this in his written responses to the pre-hearing questions from the National Assembly's Science, Technology, Information and Broadcasting and Communications Committee.
He stated, "The telecommunications market has a natural monopoly characteristic due to the need for large-scale facility investments by operators, making some degree of oligopoly somewhat inevitable. However, it is necessary to activate competition through various policies such as fostering MVNOs."
Reaffirming his stance on the need to abolish the Act on the Improvement of Distribution Structure for Mobile Communication Terminals (Device Distribution Act), he mentioned regarding the introduction of the separated subsidy disclosure system, "Separated disclosure is premised on maintaining the subsidy disclosure system, which is the core of the Device Distribution Act, so it may conflict with the abolition of the Act. Also, if the scale of manufacturers' incentives is exposed, it could harm global competitiveness, so careful consideration is necessary."
When asked about the necessity of a fourth mobile carrier, Yoo said, "If a fourth mobile carrier emerges and grows as a substantial competitor in the telecommunications market, it can be expected to play a positive role in various aspects such as not only fees but also quality and service."
However, he added, "To alleviate the burden of household communication expenses, various policy efforts are needed beyond just a fourth mobile carrier. If appointed, I will comprehensively review telecommunications policies to enhance public convenience."
Regarding network usage fee policies, Yoo said, "It is necessary to strengthen communication among members of the internet ecosystem and discuss a new order suitable for the changed internet usage environment centered on large-capacity services such as streaming. At the same time, it is important to carefully decide the direction of network usage fee policies to avoid trade disputes between countries."
On generative artificial intelligence (AI) policies, he pointed out tasks such as revising copyright regulations for data used in training, reducing overseas dependence through fostering the cloud industry, and securing sovereignty over domestic data.
Regarding false information generated by AI, he noted, "It causes not only the provision of incorrect information but also social conflict and confusion," and said, "It is necessary to consider technical measures such as establishing labeling methods (watermarks) for AI-generated content and detecting deepfakes."
He also added about the 'AI Safety Research Institute,' which the Ministry of Science and ICT is reportedly planning to establish within the year, "The institute needs to promote research on technologies that ensure safety from various risks and side effects, including AI-generated false information."
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