[2022 National Audit] Science and ICT Committee to Pursue Perjury Charges Against Google Korea President and Netflix Executive VP

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Hye-seon] Kim Kyung-hoon, President of Google Korea, and Jung Gyo-hwa, Executive Director of Netflix Services Korea, are expected to be reported for perjury during the National Assembly audit.

Jung Cheong-rae, Chairman of the National Assembly Science, Technology, Information and Broadcasting Communications Committee, announced on the 21st during the comprehensive audit of the Korea Communications Commission that he plans to pursue charges against President Kim and Executive Director Jung. After the conclusion of the audit, points considered perjury in their responses will be summarized and decided upon after consultation between ruling and opposition party floor leaders. Perjury during the National Assembly audit is a serious crime punishable by imprisonment from one to ten years. On that day, President Kim and Executive Director Jung were summoned as ordinary witnesses to answer questions related to the controversy over mandatory network usage fees legislation, forced in-app payments, and tax avoidance.

Chairman Jung criticized President Kim, saying, "'I understand the intent, but' is the only phrase you keep repeating," and added, "You are cleverly provoking the National Assembly." He continued, "Ignoring the National Assembly is not just about shouting or showing bad attitude." When asked about the number of Google Korea employees and the number of Korean subscribers on YouTube, President Kim replied, "I understand that Google Korea has just over 600 employees, and I do not know the number of Korean YouTube subscribers," adding, "I am providing the most accurate information I know." President Kim also failed to answer why the revenue from Google Play Store in-app payment commissions generated in Korea is recorded in Singapore.

In response, Chairman Jung criticized, "What exactly do you know? Is it Google North Korea? Is it structured so that you don't even know Google Korea's sales or tax payments?" and added, "This is too much. I've never seen such a witness before."

Regarding Executive Director Jung Gyo-hwa, allegations were raised that she committed perjury about Netflix's network usage fees and connection charges.

On that day, lawmakers from both ruling and opposition parties strongly criticized their consistent 'I don't know' attitude. Heo Eun-ah, a member of the People Power Party, said, "There is a lack of respect for domestic users," and added, "While corporate autonomy is important, authority and responsibility must go together, so you need to reflect on this."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.