Reason for Accusation is 'Refusal to Testify'
Passed with Opposition Party's Approval Despite Ruling Party's Backlash
The National Assembly's Science, Technology, Information and Broadcasting and Communications Committee (STIBC) passed a motion to file charges against Kim Taegyu, Acting Chairman (Vice Chairman) of the Korea Communications Commission, by a voice vote of ruling and opposition parties during the 'Second Hearing on Broadcasting Takeover.' The reason for the charges is that Kim, who attended as a witness that day, refused to answer questions. While members of the People Power Party opposed the motion, it was passed with the support of 10 members of the Democratic Party and Lee Haemin of the Innovation Party for Justice.
On the 14th, the STIBC held the 'Second Hearing on Broadcasting Takeover Related to Illegal Appointment of Visiting Directors of the Korea Broadcasting System' and grilled Acting Chairman Kim, who attended as a witness. Opposition lawmakers focused their questions on the Korea Communications Commission's deliberation and resolution of public broadcasting director appointments under a two-person system. In response, Acting Chairman Kim consistently stated, "I do not have the authority to answer," and "I cannot disclose the contents of meetings held in private."
On the afternoon of the 14th, at the 2nd hearing of the Science, Technology, Information and Broadcasting Communications Committee held at the National Assembly regarding the 'Illegal Appointment of Directors of the Broadcasting Culture Promotion Association and Related Broadcasting Control,' Chairperson Choi Min-hee announced the approval of the motion to accuse Acting Chairman Kim Tae-gyu of the Korea Communications Commission. [Image source=Yonhap News]
In the afternoon, Choi Minhee, Chairperson of the STIBC, said, "Although it was not originally on the agenda, I intend to file charges against witness Kim Taegyu, who refused to testify at our committee's hearing without justifiable reason, for offenses such as non-attendance under the Act on Testimony, Inspection, and Confession in the National Assembly," and submitted the motion to charge Kim. Then, Choi Hyungdoo, the ruling party's floor leader from the People Power Party, strongly opposed it. Chairperson Choi proceeded with the vote, which passed with 11 in favor and 5 against.
Democratic Party lawmaker Jeong Dongyoung, who expressed support for the motion, stated, "A witness may refuse to testify only when it clearly affects national secrets or national security significantly. Refusing to answer questions from the National Assembly aimed at verifying procedural reliability is clearly subject to prosecution."
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