Kim Tae-kyu “Concerns about Paralyzing Effects of the Bill on the Four-member Broadcasting Bill”

“Bill enabling impeachment of the Chairperson of the Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission, as well as restrictions on the President’s appointment power”

Kim Tae-kyu, Acting Chairperson of the Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission
[Photo by Yonhap News]

‘(Seoul=Yonhap News) Reporter Lee Jung-hyun = Kim Tae-kyu, the acting Chairperson of the Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission, expressed concerns about the legislative amendment to strengthen the requirements for the establishment of the commission from 2 members to 4 members. He stated, “Even meeting the current 2-member requirement is challenging without forming the commission, and increasing it to 4 members could easily lead to a paralyzed state of functionality.”

Acting Chairperson Kim attended the full committee meeting of the National Assembly’s Science, ICT, Broadcasting, and Communications Committee on the 26th, where he was asked for his opinion on the related bill. He responded, “I ask for your thoughtful consideration” regarding the matter.

Regarding a bill that would allow for the impeachment recommendation if a broadcasting and telecommunications review committee Chairperson violates the Constitution or laws, Kim commented, “The Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission is an independent organization, and from the perspective of the separation of powers, we can take a similar stance as the Commission due to legal issues related to constraints on the President’s appointment power.”

He added, “If such powers are abused, it may lead to a significant disruption of the institution’s stability. I believe we should not deviate from the principles just because the purpose or necessity seems right.”

Kim also explained his actions during his time as Vice Chairman of the National Human Rights Commission regarding the transfer decision made to the Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission in relation to the ‘baseless complaints’ of Chairperson Ryu Hee-lim.

In a previously distributed statement, Kim stated, “I will expedite tasks that can be carried out promptly, such as assessing and investigating the state of the broadcasting and telecommunications market, without the need for committee deliberations and decisions.”

Kim emphasized, “Currently, the Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission faces difficulties in holding committee meetings amid various pressing issues surrounding broadcasting and telecommunications. However, considering the important duties that the Commission must fulfill for the protection of the rights of broadcasting and telecommunication users and prevention of harms to the public, we cannot neglect these obligations.”

On this day, the Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission reported its work plan, which includes legislative efforts for integrated media law, establishing norms for protecting digital service users, extending the validity period of broadcast station re-licensing and approval, relaxing regulations on large companies’ ownership of broadcasting stations, abolishing the Terminal Equipment Distribution Act, enhancing fairness in portal news partnership evaluations, formulating measures to eradicate false information, and introducing regulations on labeling artificial intelligence creations.

The Commission explained that the installation of the judgment court sign, control of entry without the consent of the Chairperson, and the division of spaces between standing members, audience members, and the general public within the full committee meeting room as part of the transition to a judgment court. The judgment court construction will be funded using facility maintenance budget.

However, the Commission noted that due to the ongoing legal proceedings related to the appointment of public broadcasting directors, which require confirmation of the minutes and meeting records and present difficulties in submitting related materials, it is challenging to provide details on the decision to appoint Lisa as a public broadcast director.

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