The Korea Communications Commission is re-examining its policy on the transition to terrestrial UHD (ultra-high-definition) broadcasting, taking into account recent changes in the media environment.

During a plenary session of the National Assembly's Science, Technology, Information, Broadcasting, and Communications Committee on the 8th, KCC Chairperson Kim Jong-cheol stated regarding the terrestrial UHD transition policy, "As the media environment is changing so rapidly, we are currently reviewing this matter."

While hinting that the commission is considering putting the issue on the agenda for review, Chairperson Kim noted, "Because this is related to a massive policy shift and involves issues that have accumulated over a long period, it is not something we can handle lightly."

He added, "We must also implement measures to gather stakeholders' opinions and protect various aspects of trust," while noting that it is "difficult to discuss" specific policy changes at this time.

Earlier, lawmaker Han Jun-ho of the Democratic Party of Korea pointed out that budgets continue to be poured into purchasing related equipment even though EBS's UHD transmission performance remains low, arguing that the UHD transition policy needs to be reconsidered.

Lawmaker Han particularly raised the need for a re-examination regarding the scheduled year 2027 for the termination of HD broadcasting.

He also requested that the commission review plans for regions with low UHD broadcasting performance and the retrieval of overlapping spectrum bands.

In response, Chairperson Kim stated, "The various issues you raised are under review, and we will make efforts to discuss them thoroughly among the commissioners so that things proceed smoothly without concern."

(Photo: Yonhap News)