[2025 Audit] Ruling Party: "Kim Keonhee's Servant Park Jangbeom Must Step Down as KBS President"

Park Jangbeom Criticized at National Assembly Audit
"KBS Deficit Reaches 100 Billion Won...Irrecoverable"

The Democratic Party of Korea on October 23 called for the resignation of KBS President Park Jangbeom, stating, "The decline in KBS's brand value is because Park Jangbeom is sitting as president."

During the National Assembly's Science, ICT, Broadcasting and Communications Committee audit that day, Democratic Party lawmaker Lee Junghun said, "The worst management in history, disregard for labor and fair broadcasting working conditions, and bypassing the independent auditor are being pointed out as problems both inside and outside KBS," and questioned President Park, "If you look at this year's management evaluation, a massive deficit in the range of 100 billion won is expected. Are you not responsible for this?"

Yonhap News Agency

In response, President Park said, "I have worked to reduce the size of the deficit and, above all, to restore the integrated collection of license fees, which is the biggest cause. I am grateful to the Democratic Party lawmakers for proposing this."

Lee Hoonki, another Democratic Party lawmaker, also criticized, "A deficit in the range of 100 billion won for two consecutive years means insolvency," adding, "Since President Park took office, KBS's advertising market share and viewership ratings have continued to decline." He went on to say, "KBS has fallen because of Park Jangbeom. He should step down as president." Lee further urged, "President Park is still being called 'Pouch Park' and 'Kim Keonhee's servant.' How can viewers watch KBS broadcasts under these circumstances? He should resign as president."

Democratic Party lawmaker Kim Hyun addressed President Park, saying, "You said you are making good content, but where is the revenue coming from?" and added, "If you resign, credibility will rise and you will no longer be mocked and ridiculed as 'Pouch Park Jangbeom.'"

Lee Haemin of the Rebuilding Korea Party also commented, "In the wave of normalization at KBS, it would be better for President Park to simply step down," and added, "KBS seems to be moving toward normalization. I hope the KBS president will also be normalized."