Jinseongjun: "Yoon's Failure to Appoint Choi Minhee Is Neglect of Duty"

"Government Trying to Seize Control of Broadcasting, Is Choi Min-hee Uncomfortable?"

Jin Seong-jun, a member of the Democratic Party and secretary of the Standing Committee on the Recommendation of the Korea Communications Commission (KCC), strongly criticized President Yoon Seok-yeol for refusing to appoint Choi Min-hee, a KCC standing commissioner appointed by the Democratic Party, calling it "dereliction of duty."

On the 10th, Jin said on MBC's 'Kim Jong-bae's Focus' that "if the president seriously neglects his duties, it is a violation of the law."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

He pointed out, "According to the Act on the Establishment of the Korea Communications Commission, if there is a vacancy among the standing commissioners, a replacement commissioner must be appointed without delay from the day the vacancy occurs. Since the vacancy occurred due to the expiration of the term, it should be filled without delay. However, if the president refuses to appoint for whatever reason, it clearly violates the Korea Communications Commission Act."

Jin said, "Our Constitution does provide the president with a veto right over bills, but fundamentally, legislative power belongs to the National Assembly. Also, in the case of the Korea Communications Commission, it is stipulated that three standing commissioners recommended by the National Assembly must be appointed. If the National Assembly has recommended someone through a proper legal procedure, the president must accept them; this is the legal intent and obligation." He added, "Isn't this basically saying that only those who suit the president's or the People Power Party's tastes will be accepted?"

The ruling party is raising issues about the Democratic Party recommending a successor to Representative Ahn Hyeong-hwan, who was recommended by the People Power Party. Regarding this, Jin said, "Representative Ahn was recommended as the opposition party's nominee back in March 2020. At this point, the People Power Party has become the ruling party, and the Democratic Party has become the opposition. During the Moon Jae-in administration, even though the regime changed, the government appointed Pyo Cheol-soo, who was the opposition party's nominee at the time, as the successor to Commissioner Ko Sam-seok, who was recommended by the Democratic Party when it was the opposition."

Another reason the ruling party opposes Commissioner Choi's appointment is political bias. Jin responded, "I don't know what political bias you are referring to, but Commissioner Choi is an expert in the broadcasting and communications field." He added, "He served as the acting chairman of the 3rd Broadcasting Commission and played a midwife role in launching the current Korea Communications Commission. During his time as a member of the National Assembly, he continuously worked in the Science, Technology, Broadcasting, and Communications Committee, demonstrating his insight into these issues."

Regarding Commissioner Choi's fine for spreading false information during the election process, Jin said, "The predecessor, Representative Ahn, was also convicted for spreading false information." He added, "If Commissioner Choi is disqualified for spreading fake news, then what about Representative Ahn?"

He continued, "Commissioner Choi has raised his voice more than anyone else for media fairness and broadcasting neutrality. He has pointed out incorrect, distorted, and overly biased reports criticizing the opposition party through television debates and other means, and he engaged in such activities extensively during his time as a member of the National Assembly. However, this government is trying to control broadcasting, so Commissioner Choi, who has strongly criticized biased reporting, is seen as a nuisance," he criticized.

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