Change to Broadcasting, Media and Communications Commission
If Restructuring Plan Passes, Lee Jin-sook's Term Will End Automatically
The Democratic Party of Korea has decided to process the bill containing the Korea Communications Commission (KCC) restructuring plan at the National Assembly plenary session scheduled for September 25. If the KCC restructuring plan passes, Lee Jin-sook, the current chairperson of the Korea Communications Commission whose term is set to last until August next year, will have her term automatically terminated.
Kim Hyun, the Democratic Party lawmaker serving as the ruling party secretary on the National Assembly’s Science, ICT, Broadcasting and Communications Committee, stated in an interview with MBC Radio on the 29th, "We are aiming to process the KCC restructuring plan at the plenary session on September 25."
The current restructuring plan centers on transforming the Korea Communications Commission into the Broadcasting, Media and Communications Commission, and expanding the number of commissioners from five to seven (three standing commissioners and four non-standing commissioners). It also includes a provision to designate the chairperson of the Broadcasting and Communications Review Committee as a national political official, making the position subject to a confirmation hearing.
Previously, Han Jung-ae, the Democratic Party’s Policy Committee Chair, was asked by reporters at the party’s workshop held at the Paradise City Convention Center in Jung-gu, Incheon, whether the KCC restructuring would be included in the Government Organization Act. She responded, "If possible, when we process the Government Organization Act on the 25th (next month), we will aim to include all plans for a government organization that will allow the Lee Jae-myung administration to function effectively," adding, "Everything that has been agreed upon will be included."
If the amendment passes, Chairperson Lee will effectively be dismissed. Assemblyman Kim explained, "According to the principle of new law precedence, the term of a political appointee will end," and added, "The law has been designed so that the new system will be implemented, but the status of civil servants will be maintained."
Regarding Chairperson Lee’s statement that "as a country governed by law, my term should be guaranteed by law," Kim countered, "Broadcasting operators are divided, and considering the overall inefficiency of work, the amendment to the KCC Establishment Act is intended to resolve the situation. To claim that not guaranteeing her term is somehow wrong is simply nonsensical."
He further pointed out, "In 2008, when the Broadcasting Commission was reorganized into the Korea Communications Commission through the establishment law, the terms of the then-guaranteed broadcasting commissioners also ended, and the KCC was formed with new members, setting a precedent."
Regarding allegations that Chairperson Lee misused her corporate credit card, Kim argued, "(She claims she purchased bread as gifts for staff, visited bakeries, and communicated with employees, but these claims have not been substantiated.) When we look at confirmation hearings and public hearings, she often relies on her own memory, but much of that recollection frequently turns out to be false or manipulated information."
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