The Korean Broadcasting System (KBS) Board of Directors held its first meeting of the 14th board on the 31st and elected Director Jeong Jae-kwon as its chairman.

The newly configured KBS board, formed in accordance with the revised Broadcasting Act, held its inaugural meeting with 8 new directors out of a full quota of 15.

The 8 directors who attended today's meeting are Kim Yu-jin, former member of the Korea Communications Standards Commission; Ku Chang-hoon, attorney at Law Firm One; Lee Seung-hoon, co-chair of the steering committee for the Civil Society Organizations Network in Korea; Jeong Jae-kwon, former dean of Seoul Citizens University at the Seoul Institute for Lifelong Education (recommended by the Democratic Party); Kang Myung-hyun, professor at Hallym University Media School; Woo Hyung-jin, professor at Hanyang University Department of Media and Communication (recommended by the Korean Society for Journalism and Communication Studies); Park Sang-hoon, attorney at Law Firm Huawon; and Lim Jae-sung, attorney at Law Firm Haemaru (recommended by lawyer associations).

Among them, Chairman Jeong Jae-kwon, who was elected through an internal election, is a former editorial writer for the Hankyoreh, and has served as dean of Seoul Citizens University at the Seoul Institute for Lifelong Education and as a KBS director.

However, the board decided to elect a new chairman either when all 15 regular positions are filled or after September 29.

This is interpreted as a measure to limit the new chairman's term and prevent controversies regarding the operation of the board, considering that 7 members—including 2 recommended by the People Power Party, 3 recommended by executives and employees, and 2 recommended by the Viewer Committee—have not yet been recommended, even though a majority is currently in place.

New Chairman Jeong Jae-kwon stated, "I earnestly hope that the KBS board will complete its 15-member system as soon as possible," adding, "When operating the board, let us respect our differences while seeking out what we have in common."

Previously, the Korea Communications Standards Commission recommended during a plenary meeting on the 6th that the board be operated if the new board's quota reaches a majority.

The new KBS board stated that it will swiftly process the appointment procedures for the 7 unappointed directors, adding that it will not leave the vacuum caused by delayed director recommendations unaddressed.

(Photo: Yonhap News)