"The Harm to Press Freedom and Democracy by the Yoon Administration Is No Less Than an Insurrection"
"We Will Uncover the Truth Behind Media Control"
"Reform of the Lee Jinsook KCC Leadership Is Necessary"
The National Policy Planning Committee, which is serving as the transition team for the Lee Jaemyung administration, criticized the Korea Communications Commission (KCC) at a policy briefing held at the Gwacheon Government Complex on June 20, stating, "President Lee Jaemyung's campaign pledges were not reflected in the content of the policy report."
Cho Seungrae, spokesperson for the National Policy Planning Committee, said at a briefing that day, "Although the KCC did present a policy report, there were concerns that the implementation plan for the president's pledges was insufficient." He added that the KCC will revise and resubmit its policy report after making improvements.
Hong Changnam, head of the Social Affairs Division 2 of the National Policy Planning Committee, who received the KCC's policy report, stated in his opening remarks, "The harm that the Yoon Sukyeol administration has inflicted on press freedom and democracy in South Korea is no less than an insurrection," and criticized, "They have thoroughly trampled on the public nature and public value of the media."
He further pointed out, "The Yoon Sukyeol administration not only appointed inappropriate figures who support the regime as heads of public broadcasters, but also did not hesitate to impose sanctions and file complaints against media outlets critical of the administration."
He added, "There are numerous tasks ahead, such as uncovering the truth about the Yoon Sukyeol administration's control of the media and restoring normalcy, strengthening the independence and public nature of the media, and promoting the media industry." He emphasized, "The core of the media and communications pledges is to create a free and creative environment through media independent from power, and furthermore, to advance the media content sector."
Kim Hyun, head of the Broadcasting and Communications Division of the Economic Affairs Division 2 of the National Policy Planning Committee, also addressed Lee Jinsook, chairperson of the KCC, stating, "Normalizing the KCC is more important than anything else, but while the chairperson asks for a guaranteed term, there is no blueprint for how to reform the KCC."
Meanwhile, the KCC policy briefing that day was conducted by Kim Younggwan, acting secretary general, in place of Chairperson Lee Jinsook.
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