The Korea Communications Commission (KCC) appointed Shin Dong-ho, a board member of EBS, as the new president of EBS on the 26th, despite ongoing controversies and criticism surrounding his political affiliations and the two-member decision-making body within KCC. On the 24th, interviews were conducted with all eight candidates who applied for the role of EBS president from February 28th to March 10th. The new EBS president’s term is set for three years, until March 25, 2028.
There are significant concerns regarding the legitimacy of KCC’s appointment process since it was revealed that Shin’s political party membership was verified only after his nomination. According to the Act on the Establishment and Operation of the EBS, individuals who have not passed three years since losing party membership are disqualified from being appointed as executives.
On the 18th of October, 2023, during a full KCC meeting to appoint Shin as an interim board member, it was noted that the consultation with the Democratic Party about Shin’s party affiliation happened after the meeting concluded. This procedural oversight led to a lack of response from the Democratic Party and an improper certification of Shin’s eligibility from the ruling People Power Party.
Additionally, EBS gathered staff discontent, as they largely refuse to recognize Shin’s appointment. Fifty executive members within EBS vowed to escalate their opposition, and the EBS labor union plans to blockade Shin’s office attendance. They cited a previous Supreme Court ruling that dismissed appointments made by the KCC under a similar two-member system as a point of reference.
Shin Dong-ho’s past is marked by controversy, including being implicated in unfair labor practices during his tenure at MBC and his subsequent political endeavors. These factors fuel skepticism about his suitability for the role amid the flawed appointment process.