▲ The 73rd Legislative Policy Forum hosted by the Korea Legislation Research Institute
Kim Jong-cheol, Chairperson of the Broadcasting, Media and Communications Commission, which recently marked its first anniversary, delivered a presentation to legal professionals and the media industry outlining the concept, blueprint, and legislative and policy tasks of a "Media Basic Society."
On the morning of October 2, Chairperson Kim spoke at the forum titled "Legislative and Policy Tasks for a Media Basic Society," hosted by the Korea Legislation Research Institute (headed by President Lee Gook-woon) at the Grand InterContinental Seoul Parnas hotel in Samseong-dong, Seoul. During his address, he emphasized key themes including the concept of a "Media Basic Society," the "active empowerment of sovereign media users," the "strengthening of media competency education," and the "need for a media voucher system."
Explaining the concept of a Media Basic Society, Chairperson Kim observed, "We have entered an era where media has moved beyond being a mere means and has now become an environment."
Chairperson Kim suggested, "Media has now become the foundation that constitutes our daily lives, and approaching it merely from an instrumental perspective could bring enormous errors to our lives," adding, "Moving forward, the very essence of human beings should also be viewed anew—as hybrid beings combining our natural existence with media."
He added that it is "a concept in which the state and society must provide (media) to their members."
▲ Kim Jong-cheol, Chairperson of the Broadcasting, Media and Communications Commission, outlines his vision for a 'Media Basic Society' at a forum held on the morning of October 2 at the InterContinental Parnas hotel in Samseong-dong, Seoul.
He also addressed the dual nature of the AI era.
Chairperson Kim explained this two-sided reality, remarking, "While humans will enjoy positive lives by relying on AI in the future, viewed from the opposite side, it could be a harsh reality dominated by AI."
In addition, he stressed the importance of a "healthy public sphere," describing it as the very soil for a Media Basic Society.
Chairperson Kim voiced concern, stating, "In a Media Basic Society, freedom of expression should be permitted on the premise that a 'healthy public sphere' is formed," adding, "In the reverse scenario—where only freedom is emphasized without the formation of a healthy public sphere—things that ought to be protected may end up unprotected."
His remarks were intended to warn sovereign media users to remain vigilant against unverified information that is currently being indiscriminately amplified and reproduced through media channels.
In the same context, Chairperson Kim stressed that the significance of media education must not be overlooked.
Chairperson Kim stated, "We need systems such as providing vouchers to users who complete media education," noting, "The commission plans to further emphasize and strengthen such initiatives."
Earlier, on Wednesday, September 30, Chairperson Kim announced the vision and policies of the inaugural commission, stating, "This is not the finish line, but the beginning. We will build a 'Media Basic Society with the People' by substantively guaranteeing the public's media sovereignty and implementing detailed tasks into tangible policies."
This policy presentation set forth legislative tasks as an extension of the inaugural vision announcement, and the commission plans to further flesh out Chairperson Kim's vision of a "Media Basic Society" through media outlets and other avenues going forward.
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