Broadcasting and Media Commission to Hear Opinions from YTN and Eugene Group on July 20; Chairman Kim Jong-cheol Recuses Himself

The Broadcasting and Media Commission announced that it will hold a session to hear opinions from stakeholders, including YTN management and labor union representatives as well as Eugene Group, at 9:00 a.m. on July 20 regarding the cancellation of the approval for the change of YTN's largest shareholder.

The commission stated that it reached this decision during its 23rd plenary meeting held on July 15, after receiving a report on the progress of the legal advisory group's operations concerning pending YTN issues.

Chairman Kim Jong-cheol recused himself from the deliberation of the agenda, citing the potential for unnecessary misunderstandings regarding his public activities prior to taking office.

With Commissioner Ko Min-soo presiding over the meeting as acting chairman due to Kim's recusal, the commission summarized the key issues into two main points.

The external legal advisory group, formed on April 30, is examining whether the previous Korea Communications Commission's decision to approve the change—made by only two members—was illegal and thus subject to revocation by authority, as well as whether there were substantive flaws, such as the issuance of an official letter demanding a full sale of shares.

The commissioners expressed differing views on the discussion process and the timing of the agenda submission.

Commissioner Yoon Sung-ok stated that, considering the issues raised by the National Assembly's Science, ICT, Broadcasting, and Communications Committee, the first-instance court's ruling for cancellation, and the discussions by the legal advisory group, "sufficient deliberation has taken place," and proposed to "place it as an agenda item for a vote on July 22."

On the other hand, non-standing commissioner Choi Soo-young said, "We should ensure procedural legitimacy by sufficiently listening to and deliberating on the opinions of Eugene Ent and YTN." He added, "As related lawsuits are ongoing and the legal advisory group's review results show conflicting opinions on key issues, I believe the commission should reach a reasonable and responsible conclusion after thorough review, rather than presupposing a result."

Commissioner Ryu Shin-hwan also expressed a similar view to Commissioner Choi, stating, "This is a matter with significant stakes for the parties involved, so the opinion-hearing process is essential."

In response, Commissioner Ko concluded the discussion by saying, "Regarding the YTN report agenda, we will hear opinions from YTN representatives at 9:00 a.m. on July 20, and subsequently adjust the agenda and schedule during a follow-up meeting."

Meanwhile, the commission approved the appointment and recommendation of public broadcaster board members nominated by the Democratic Party.

Among the nominees recommended by the Democratic Party, only two were appointed to the Foundation for Broadcast Culture (the largest shareholder of MBC): Kim Ki-joong, a lawyer at the law firm Dongseoyangjae, and Seok Won-hyuk, former head of the MBC Digital Division. The commission deferred the decision on candidate Oh Tae-kyu, who has been at the center of controversy regarding his background.

The commission determined that the fact-checking process regarding whether he worked for Lee Jae-myung's presidential campaign has not yet been completed.

Under the Broadcasting Act implemented last year, experience in a presidential campaign within the past three years is considered grounds for disqualification from the board. Since the individual denies any campaign involvement, the commission judged that further verification is necessary.

Four candidates for the KBS board were recommended for appointment: Koo Chang-hoon, a partner lawyer at the law firm Won; Kim Yu-jin, a former member of the Korea Communications Standards Commission; Lee Seung-hoon, co-operating committee chair of the Civil Society Organizations Network; and Jung Jae-kwon, former dean of the Seoul Citizens' College at the Seoul Institute for Lifelong Education.

The commission reiterated its call for organizations that recommend public broadcaster board members to submit their nominations promptly.
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.