Han Seong-sook: "I Will Review Regulations on Broadcast Advertising," Addressing Concerns Over Restrictions on Terrestrial Networks

Prime Minister nominee Han Seong-sook stated that she would review the discussions among relevant ministries regarding concerns that current regulations on broadcast advertising for terrestrial networks are excessive.

Han made these remarks today (June 26) at her confirmation hearing held at the National Assembly, in response to questions from Representative Yoo Young-ha of the People Power Party (representing Dalseo-gu Gap, Daegu) regarding current broadcast advertising regulations.

Representative Yoo stated, "We almost missed the 2026 North and Central America World Cup due to the default of the broadcasting rights holder, JTBC," adding, "Academia is warning that this situation signals the collapse of the broadcasting media ecosystem."

Yoo further diagnosed the issue by saying, "The reason for these warnings is that advertising revenue, the primary income source for legacy media such as newspapers, television, and radio, continues to decline," and added, "I believe that along with changes in the media environment, broadcast advertising regulations are the biggest factor driving down advertising revenue."

Yoo also pointed out, "Although the total advertising volume system was introduced in 2015 and some aspects have been relaxed, such as the permission for mid-program advertisements and virtual advertisements, terrestrial broadcast advertising remains tightly regulated."

Yoo specifically noted, "While terrestrial broadcasters are prohibited from airing medical or alcohol advertisements, OTT platforms and YouTube do not face such restrictions, effectively making them a 'regulatory free zone,'" describing the advertising regulations on terrestrial networks as "a situation where only one side has its feet tied."

Yoo then asked, "To realize the five major cultural powerhouse goals, which are key strategic tasks of the Lee Jae-myung administration, we must foster core content such as broadcast media. If we see broadcasters like JTBC collapsing, what other broadcaster would invest significant funds to create content?"

Yoo further urged, "Only when this content is produced can we achieve the 300 trillion won K-Culture goal," adding, "Just as there are no advertising regulations for YouTube or OTT, please look into easing necessary advertising regulations for legacy media so that broadcasters can play their part in becoming a cultural powerhouse through independent content production."

In response to Yoo's inquiry, nominee Han replied, "I will review the discussions among relevant ministries regarding the broadcast advertising issues you mentioned."
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.