Broadcasting Media and Communications Committee Begins Ryu Sinhwan's Acting Chairmanship

Acting Chair Until Official Appointment of New Chair
"Maintaining Neutrality, Protecting Users, and Promoting the Industry"

Starting December 5, the Broadcasting Media and Communications Committee has entered a system in which Ryu Sinhwan, a non-standing member, serves as Acting Chair. This is in accordance with Article 6 of the law establishing the committee, which states that if the chair is unable to perform their duties, the vice chair and then a member designated by the committee will act as chair in order.

Ryu Shinhwan, Acting Chair of the Broadcasting, Media and Communications Committee. Photo by the Presidential Office

Ryu is expected to serve as acting chair until Kim Jongcheol, the nominee for the committee chair, is formally appointed following a confirmation hearing.

On his way to work at the Government Complex Gwacheon that afternoon, Ryu told reporters, "Until the new chair is officially appointed after the confirmation hearing, I will work closely with the secretariat to ensure the committee functions normally and address pending issues."

He added, "Personally, I feel a great sense of responsibility," and continued, "I will do my best to ensure the committee maintains political neutrality and independence, while also contributing to both user protection and the promotion of the media industry."

Regarding the background of his appointment as a non-standing member by President Lee Jaemyung, Ryu said, "Although there was no specific message, I believe it was to fulfill the committee's original mission while maintaining political neutrality and independence."

Ryu identified the complete and swift formation of the committee as the most pressing issue. He stated, "Since this is an organization operated by a seven-member consensus system, I hope that, along with the appointment of the chair, the remaining members can be appointed as soon as possible."

The National Assembly's Science, ICT, Broadcasting and Communications Committee will hold a confirmation hearing for nominee Kim on December 16. For the remaining five members, excluding nominee Kim and Acting Chair Ryu, the Democratic Party of Korea and the People Power Party will each recommend two and three members, respectively.

Meanwhile, with the launch of Ryu's acting chair system, the period during which spokesperson Ban Sangkwon (director level) served as acting chair-lasting about two months since the committee's establishment in October-has come to an end.