Bill to Establish Broadcasting, Media, and Communications Committee Passes Science Committee Led by Ruling Party

If Passed in the Plenary Session, Chairperson Lee Jin-sook Faces Dismissal

The "Broadcasting, Media, and Communications Committee Establishment Act," which abolishes the Korea Communications Commission and establishes a new Broadcasting, Media, and Communications Committee, has passed the Science, Technology, Information, and Broadcasting Committee of the National Assembly.

On September 11, the committee held a full meeting and, led by the Democratic Party, introduced and passed the Broadcasting, Media, and Communications Committee Establishment Act. The main point of this act is to create the new committee in place of the existing Korea Communications Commission. In addition to the current functions of the Korea Communications Commission, the new committee will also take on responsibilities related to media promotion, such as paid broadcasting, which are currently handled by the Ministry of Science and ICT. However, the provisions concerning regulation and promotion of online video services (OTT), which were included in the original bill, have been removed.

The composition of the committee will be reorganized from the current five standing members, including the chairperson, to a total of seven members: three standing members and four non-standing members. Civil servants currently affiliated with the Korea Communications Commission will be transferred to the new Broadcasting, Media, and Communications Committee, but political appointees such as the current chairperson will be excluded. As a result, Lee Jin-sook, whose term as chairperson is set to end in August next year, is effectively expected to be dismissed.

Lee Jinsuk, Chairperson of the Korea Communications Commission, attends the full meeting of the Science, Technology, Information and Broadcasting Committee held at the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul on the 20th, responding to members' inquiries. 2025.8.20 Photo by Kim Hyunmin

The People Power Party protested, arguing that the bill is essentially intended to replace Chairperson Lee, and demanded the formation of an agenda coordination committee. However, with four out of six committee members (three from the Democratic Party and one from the Rebuilding Korea Party) voting in favor-which met the quorum-the bill quickly passed through the agenda coordination committee and returned to the main committee.

Choi Hyungdu, the People Power Party's secretary on the committee, argued, "The Democratic Party is shaking up the legal system just to remove Chairperson Lee. I've heard of creating positions for people, but this is the first time I've heard of abolishing positions to remove someone."

Kim Hyun, the Democratic Party's secretary on the committee, countered, "It is absurd to claim that this law was created solely for Lee Jin-sook. It is not right for those who are unprepared to disparage those who are prepared." The People Power Party did not participate in the vote and walked out, and the bill was passed under the leadership of the Democratic Party.

The Democratic Party plans to bring the bill to a vote at the plenary session on September 25.