"No Unfair Gain, No Intent to Control Broadcasting"
Hearing Until 2:30 AM... "Human Rights Violations"
"Will Sue Lawmakers for False Accusations and Abuse of Authority"
Kim Tae-gyu, Acting Chairman of the Korea Communications Commission (KCC), claimed that there was no illegality in the process of appointing directors to the Korea Broadcasting Culture Promotion Foundation (MBC’s major shareholder). He also vowed to counter-sue opposition party lawmakers for defamation and abuse of authority after being reported for refusing to testify at the National Assembly hearing.
On the 19th, Acting Chairman Kim stated at the Government Complex Gwacheon that the KCC has the obligation to form organizations (such as the Korea Broadcasting Culture Promotion Foundation) according to the authority prescribed by law, and that it exercises discretionary power when exercising personnel authority for this purpose.
He said that the terms of the foundation’s directors had expired, and they were simply proceeding with the procedure to select successors, emphasizing that he had "no intention, ability, or necessity to seize control of broadcasting." He argued that only if there were illegal acts such as a KCC standing commissioner receiving illicit benefits or bribes to appoint directors could it be defined as 'illegal.'
He criticized, "Although the hearing lasted a long time, the most they could say was how I could have met so many people in such a short time, or why I did not follow the one or two previous practices."
He also criticized the hearing process, saying, "The meeting continued until 2:30 a.m., and only after twice requesting due to physical exhaustion was the session finally adjourned," adding, "The fact that witness questioning took place at that hour itself is a violation of human rights."
Regarding the National Assembly’s resolution to report him for refusing to testify, Acting Chairman Kim stated that charges of defamation and abuse of authority could be applied. He said, "If a complaint is filed on this matter, I intend to sue the lawmakers who participated in the resolution and seek judgment from the prosecution and courts."
He also said, "I was subjected to a ruthless decision that threw me into criminal proceedings," and added, "I believe there is clearly a human rights violation, so I plan to file a complaint with the National Human Rights Commission to receive a judgment on this issue."
Acting Chairman Kim also claimed that the KCC’s response letter submitted regarding the suspension of execution was leaked to the National Assembly, and that the chairman of the Science, ICT, Broadcasting and Communications Committee pressured him with that response letter. He said he had already filed a complaint with the Korean Bar Association to investigate the truth about this matter.
Acting Chairman Kim has submitted a notice of non-attendance for the third hearing scheduled for the 21st. In conclusion, he raised his voice, saying, "It is time to stop obstructing the formation of the Korea Broadcasting Culture Promotion Foundation through illegal and unfair hearings, interfering with the normal functions of the KCC, and causing inconvenience to the public."
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
