Kim Jongcheol Takes Office as Chairman on December 19
"Redefining Broadcasting Fairness Based on Constitutional Values"
Emphasizing Personality Rights, Pursuit of Happiness, and Fairness
Kim Jongcheol, Chairman of the Broadcasting, Media, and Communications Committee and a constitutional law scholar, announced on December 19 his inaugural commitment to applying "constitutional values" to the broadcasting, communications, and digital environment.
He stated that he would respond firmly to false and manipulated information, malicious comments, and digital sex crime videos, and that broadcasting should pursue balance to foster democratic public opinion. However, he also expressed his intention to boldly abolish outdated regulations that no longer fit the changed environment in order to promote industry growth.
At his inauguration ceremony held at the Gwacheon Government Complex in Gyeonggi Province on December 19, Chairman Kim said, "I will redefine the public responsibility and fairness of broadcasting media based on constitutional values."
He emphasized, "Broadcasting is a forum for the formation of democratic public opinion," and added, "While guaranteeing the independence of broadcasting, I will seek a balance between autonomy and responsibility so that freedom does not devolve into permissiveness." He continued, "We will combine strict discipline with support commensurate with public responsibility so that broadcasting becomes a melting pot for social integration, not a tool for amplifying social conflict."
However, he also expressed his intention to boldly reform the analog-style broadcasting and communications legal system, which cannot keep pace with technological advancements. He said, "There is a need to resolve the contradiction of 'asymmetric regulations,' where broadcasting, communications, and internet platforms are subject to different rules," and added, "We will decisively abolish unnecessary ex-ante regulations and shift to a system focused on ex-post regulation."
He also expressed his determination to respond firmly to false and manipulated information, malicious comments, and digital sex crime videos in the digital space so that constitutional rights to personality and the pursuit of happiness are not violated.
He said, "While freedom of expression will be guaranteed to the fullest extent, I will make it clear that actions that destroy the dignity of others and undermine social trust do not fall within the scope of freedoms protected by the Constitution."
He also mentioned the issue of network usage fees and unfair practices by online platform operators, stating that he would seek ways to create a fair competitive environment.
Chairman Kim stressed, "The reality we face in this rapidly changing media environment is by no means easy," and added, "The more difficult the times, the more we must uphold principles and fundamentals without wavering."
He urged members of the Broadcasting, Media, and Communications Committee, "Take pride in being 'guardians of the Constitution,'" and added, "Have a sense of mission that you are carrying out the noble work of realizing constitutional values."
In conclusion, he pledged, "With the conscience of a scholar and the sense of duty of a public official, I will devote all my capabilities to creating a broadcasting, media, and communications ecosystem that the public can trust."
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