Inaugural Day for First BMCC Chairman on the 19th
"Teenagers Are Both Subjects of Protection and Holders of Fundamental Rights"
"Role as a Fair Organizer of Media Order"
Kim Jongchul, Chairman of the Broadcasting, Media and Communications Commission, announced on the 19th that he would establish balanced safety measures related to teenagers' use of social networking services (SNS).
Kim Jongcheol, the newly appointed Chairman of the Broadcasting, Media and Communications Commission, is answering reporters' questions on the 19th as he arrives at the Broadcasting, Media and Communications Commission office in the Gwacheon Government Complex. Photo by Yonhap News
On his first day commuting to attend his inauguration ceremony held at the Gwacheon Government Complex in Gyeonggi Province, he told reporters, "Teenagers are both subjects to be protected and holders of fundamental rights," adding that this is the approach he intends to take.
He stated, "While protecting the rights of teenagers, we will also respond in a balanced manner by establishing prompt safety measures for any harm, comprehensively considering both the positive and negative aspects."
At his confirmation hearing on the 16th, when asked about the possibility of introducing policies to restrict the use of SNS by children and teenagers, Chairman Kim replied, "It is something that must obviously be done," and added, "I am determined to pursue this as a key task."
Earlier that day, Chairman Kim visited the Seoul National Cemetery with senior officials from the Broadcasting, Media and Communications Commission. He said, "I pledged my determination before the patriotic martyrs," and added, "I have renewed my resolve to faithfully fulfill my role as a fair organizer of order in realizing media sovereignty."
When asked about his top priority after taking office, he responded, "Above all, there have been amendments to the relevant laws, and once the commission is formed, I will do my utmost to ensure we are prepared to promptly handle agenda items."
This appears to refer to follow-up procedures such as preparing enforcement decrees and regulations necessary for the actual implementation of the so-called 'Three Broadcasting Laws' (the Broadcasting Act, the Foundation for Broadcast Culture Act, and the Korea Educational Broadcasting System Act), which have passed the National Assembly.
Meanwhile, the previous day, President Lee Jaemyung approved the appointment of Chairman Kim. With this, Kim Jongchul became the inaugural chairman of the newly established Broadcasting, Media and Communications Commission, which was created following the abolition of the Korea Communications Commission.
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