Testimony by Ryu Heerim on 'Commissioned Complaints' Emerges at National Assembly Science and ICT Committee

KCSC Executive Admits to Reporting
Direct Testimony Emerges in 'Commissioned Complaint' Controversy

At the National Assembly, testimony from an employee of the Korea Communications Standards Commission (KCSC) acknowledged the so-called ‘commissioned complaint’ suspicion involving Chairman Ryu Hee-rim.

Ryu Hee-rim, Chairman of the Korea Communications Standards Commission. Photo by Yonhap News

On the 5th, during the plenary session of the National Assembly’s Science, Technology, Information and Broadcasting Committee, Jang Kyung-sik, head of the KCSC Gangwon Office, who appeared as a witness, responded “I reported” when asked by Committee member Choi Min-hee whether he had reported to Chairman Ryu that Ryu’s younger brother, Ryu Hee-mok, had filed a complaint on September 5, 2023, regarding JTBC’s ‘Newsroom.’ At that time, Jang was in charge of complaints and reviews related to comprehensive programming channels.

This is the first time a statement has emerged from a person who directly reported to Chairman Ryu concerning the commissioned complaint suspicion.

Previously, Chairman Ryu had consistently denied the commissioned complaint controversy after it was reported in the media. Jang had also repeatedly denied reporting to the chairman during multiple appearances before the National Assembly.

When Committee member Choi asked, “Is it true that after Jang testified to the Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission (ACRC) that he did not report to Chairman Ryu, Ryu said ‘Thank you. I will take good care of it’ twice?” Jang answered, “That is true.”

In response, Committee member Choi stated, “There is a need for reinvestigation,” and again requested Chairman Ryu’s appearance as a witness during the current session. He also argued that a reinvestigation should be conducted targeting the ACRC and the KCSC.

Originally, Chairman Ryu was requested to appear as a witness on this day but submitted a letter of non-attendance, stating, “As the police are investigating the matter, it is not appropriate to mention related details at this time considering the fairness of the investigation.”