Broadcasting and Communications Commission employee recants statement, now claiming to have reported complaint to Ryu Hee-rim’s brother… Calls for reinvestigation

On the 5th, Jang Kyung-sik, head of the Gangwon office of the Korea Communications Standards Commission (KCSC), appeared before the National Assembly and changed his testimony regarding a key issue involving KCSC Chair Ryu Hee-rim. Initially, Jang claimed he did not report his brother’s petition to Ryu, but later admitted he did. This has amplified calls for a reinvestigation into allegations that Ryu orchestrated a petition related to his brother’s case. During the session, Jang explained his decision to reverse his previous testimony, citing moral discomfort and psychological distress from not previously telling the truth. He also revealed that after initially denying reporting the issue, he received appreciation from Ryu, indicating possible prior knowledge of the petition. This has intensified demands for a reinvestigation. Jo Min-hee, the committee chairperson, urged KCSC’s inspection chief, Park Jong-hyun, to conduct a reinvestigation. The union at KCSC insists on an immediate follow-up investigation by the Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission, amid allegations that Ryu used his authority unethically to suppress the matter. Whistleblowers had previously accused Ryu of conflicts of interest for involving family members in complaints to the commission regarding a media outlet’s reporting. However, the Anti-Corruption Commission had closed the case last month, citing insufficient evidence to confirm prior knowledge by Ryu.