“We will firmly respond to fake news, malicious comments, and digital sexual crime videos” stated
On his way to work, he revealed, “I’m afraid” when asked about the many pending issues.,
▲ New Chairman of the Broadcast Media and Communications Committee, Kim Jong-cheol, delivers his inauguration speech during the ceremony at the Government Complex in Gwacheon, on the 19th. ⓒYonhap News
, ‘At the inauguration of the first Broadcast Media and Communications Committee (BMCC), Chairman Kim Jong-cheol emphasized the constitutional values 19 times, stating, “Our committee is a consensus-based administrative body. By acknowledging and respecting our differences, we will establish a democratic and republican decision-making process through the citizen virtues of ‘dialogue and compromise’ to reach optimal conclusions.” He emphasized that the BMCC is a consensus-based body consisting of seven members.’,
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, ‘The BMCC held the inauguration ceremony for the new Chairman, Kim Jong-cheol, on the 19th at the Government Complex in Gwacheon. On this day, Chairman Kim announced the promotion of three reforms, stating, “Firstly, I will redefine the public responsibility and fairness of broadcast media based on constitutional values. Broadcasting is a platform for democratic opinion formation. While ensuring broadcast independence, I will pursue a balance of ‘autonomy and responsibility’ to prevent freedom from devolving into indulgence. I will enforce strict regulations and provide support commensurate with public responsibility so that broadcasting becomes a tool for social integration, not a source of social conflict.”‘,
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,’He continued, “We will boldly innovate outdated regulatory frameworks that do not match changing circumstances to promote industry and achieve harmony between regulation and promotion, contributing to Korea’s rise as a global media powerhouse.” He further pointed out that “there is criticism that the current broadcasting and telecommunications legal system is stuck in the past analog era. We need to resolve the contradictions of ‘asymmetrical regulation’ where different regulations apply to broadcasting, telecommunications, and internet platforms that offer similar services. We will abolish unnecessary preliminary regulations that hinder innovation and switch to a system focusing on post-regulation,” he declared.’,,
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, ‘Particularly, he emphasized seeking ways to create a fair competitive environment regarding issues like the network usage fee problem between domestic internet service providers and global content providers like YouTube and Netflix, and the unfair behavior of platform operators.’,
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, ‘Finally, he stated, “We will respond firmly to the adverse effects of digital media,” emphasizing, “We will resolutely tackle fake news, malicious comments, and digital sexual crime videos that contaminate the public discourse space of democracy.”‘,
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, ‘On his first day to work, in response to reporters asking, “There are many pending issues,” Chairman Kim Jong-cheol admitted, “I’m afraid.” He declared, “Above all, numerous legal revisions have taken place, so once the committee is formed, we will prioritize processing the agenda swiftly. I will work diligently.”‘,
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Here is the full text of Kim Jong-cheol’s inaugural speech as the first BMCC Chairman.
Broadcast Media and Communications Committee Staff,
Nice to meet you. I am pleased to work with you as the inaugural Chairman of the newly launched BMCC. Despite the unsettled atmosphere due to ongoing social disasters and the timing of the year-end, I am deeply grateful for the dedication and hard work of all the staff preparing for the hearing.
Preparing for the hearing as a candidate for Chairman, I realized once again how closely broadcasting, media, and communications are intertwined with the daily lives and economy of the people. As an academic who has discussed republicanism and freedom of expression in the lecture halls through constitutional studies, I feel the weight of realizing these theoretical values at the forefront of administrative practice.
Broadcast Media and Communications Committee Staff,
We are currently experiencing a ‘great transition period’ where the media framework is fundamentally being overturned. The boundaries between traditional and new media have disappeared, and the global media ecosystem led by OTT and platform operators has become a battlefield without borders. AI and algorithms are deeply involved in opinion formation, and the convergence of broadcasting and telecommunications is an irreversible trend.
While these technological advances have provided convenience, they have also presented us with complex challenges such as polarization of opinions due to confirmation bias, the spread of fake news, and issues of reverse discrimination between global platforms and domestic operators.
In these chaotic times, the path for the BMCC, endowed with the role of ‘creating a fair media order’ by the constitution and law, is clear. It’s ‘restoring the spirit of the Constitution.’ The core values of the Constitution—human dignity and democratic fundamental order—are the roots of communication-driven media. By restoring the constitutional spirit, we can harmoniously realize freedom of expression and public interest, and protect the rights and media sovereignty of the people under a fair communication order.
As Chairman, I will advance reforms based on the following three principles to rectify and cleanse the foundations of broadcast media and communications policy.
First, I will redefine the public responsibility and fairness of broadcast media based on constitutional values. Broadcasting is a platform for democratic opinion formation. While ensuring broadcast independence, I will pursue a balance of ‘autonomy and responsibility’ to prevent freedom from devolving into indulgence. Broadcasting should be a melting pot for social integration rather than a tool that amplifies social conflict. I will implement strict regulations alongside support matching public responsibility.
Second, we will boldly innovate outdated regulatory frameworks that do not match changing circumstances to promote industry and achieve harmony between regulation and promotion, contributing to Korea’s rise as a global media powerhouse. Having studied the economic constitution, I have long contemplated how market autonomy and state regulation should harmonize.
It is pointed out that the current broadcasting and telecommunications legislation is stuck in the past analog era. There is a need to resolve the contradictions of ‘asymmetrical regulation’ where different regulations apply to broadcasting, telecommunications, and internet platforms that offer similar services. We will abolish unnecessary preliminary regulations that obstruct innovation and transition to a system focusing on post-regulation.
Particularly, we will explore ways to create a fair competitive environment regarding issues like the network usage fee problem between domestic internet service providers and global content providers, and the unfair behavior of platform operators. While respecting economic freedom to maximize diversity and creativity in the media industry, we will not tolerate indulgence that undermines fair order, the premise of competition, and neglects corporate social responsibility.
Third, in opening the era of media sovereignty for the people and firmly addressing the adverse effects of digital media, where the core of the digital great transition is ultimately ‘people.’ In a hyper-connected society, each citizen is more of an active user than a simple viewer. However, deceitful acts such as the phenomenon of obtaining filtered information by algorithms (filter bubbles) and deceptive marketing strategies (dark patterns) are infringing upon the choice rights of users.
I will extend constitutional personality rights and the pursuit of happiness to the digital space. We will resolutely address fake news, malicious comments, and digital sexual crime videos that contaminate democracy’s public discourse space. While maximizing the guarantee of freedom of expression, the acts that destroy others’ dignity and social trust are not within the freedom area protected by the constitution.
Respected Broadcast Media and Communications Family,
As a legal scholar, I have always emphasized ‘rule of law.’ Rule of law does not mean domination by power, but autonomous governance based on agreed legal norms.
All decisions of the BMCC must be made under transparent procedures, rational grounds, and constitutional conformity. I will act as a breakwater to protect the independency of the committee with the wisdom and passion of the other committee members and ensure you can work confidently. Our reality amidst the rapidly changing media environment is challenging. However, just as strong grass is known in harsh winds, during tough times, we must proceed unswervingly by upholding principles and basics.
Broadcasting, communication, and media are our society’s neural networks. For democracy and the economy of Korea to gain vitality, these networks must function healthily. With the conscience of a scholar and the sense of duty of a public servant, I will pour all my capabilities into creating a trustworthy broadcast media communication ecosystem. I ask for your participation in this journey towards safe, free, fair, and innovative media world.
To accomplish the aforementioned tasks, I would like to offer some words of encouragement and promise my principles for organizational operation.
Firstly, please take pride in us being ‘guardians of the constitution.’ Every policy you handle is directly linked to citizens’ rights. While you are doing well, since the whole organization is newly launched, I emphasize this at the level of pledge, not handling administrative procedures passively and routinely, but fulfilling the noble duty of realizing constitutional values.
We are the people, and the people are us; thus, please actively realize the virtues and sense of duty of a ‘citizen in official uniform’ solely for the constitution and the entire nation’s benefit. I will be a small pillar supporting you to work with confidence. Just as in poet Kang Eun-gyo’s line, “The greatest love is behind you,” I will do my best to serve you so you can sincerely serve the sovereign citizens under the constitutional spirit.
Additionally, please exert ‘expertise’ and ‘practicality.’ The current media environment presents us with unprecedented issues not found in textbooks. We cannot open the future by settling in past practices. Please continually study and research with the attitude of ‘seek truth from facts’ to enhance the expertise and practicality of policies.
As a researcher with 40 years of experience, I will share with you, fostering a culture of debate, learning, and practice within the organization. And I will lead the organization with ‘leadership of integration and service.’
Our committee is a consensus-based administrative body. By acknowledging and respecting our differences, we will establish a democratic and republican decision-making process through the citizen virtues of ‘dialogue and compromise’ to reach optimal conclusions. The door of the chairman’s office will always be open. And wherever you are serving the media sovereign citizens under the constitutional spirit, the chairman will always be there with you. I will listen to your voices and take the lead in resolving difficulties on the ground.
Lastly, remember that the health and happiness of you and your families are the foundations for truly fulfilling the role of ‘establishing a fair media order that realizes media sovereignty.’ I wish health and happiness for you and your families.
Thank you.