Opposition Party Launches Full-Scale Offensive Demanding Withdrawal of Lee Dong-gwan's Nomination (Comprehensive)

"Realizing the Reality of Broadcasting Control... Must Withdraw"

The Democratic Party of Korea launched a full-scale offensive on the 28th, criticizing President Yoon Seok-yeol's nomination of Lee Dong-gwan as the chairman of the Korea Communications Commission, saying, “It is not about exercising delegated authority on behalf of the people, but about ruling violently.”

Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party, strongly criticized at the Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly that morning, saying, "Lee Dong-gwan, a special advisor, is a symbolic figure of media suppression during the MB (Lee Myung-bak administration) era," and "Despite various problems being revealed and the overwhelming majority of the public opposing it, the appointment is being forced."

Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, is speaking at the Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul, on the morning of the 28th.
[Photo by Yonhap News]

Lee continued, “This is an attitude that treats the people as objects to be ruled,” and argued, “This is not exercising delegated authority on behalf of the people, but violent domination.” He added, “It seems like a fight against the people,” and urged, “Look back at the past to see how that ended.”

Park Kwang-on, floor leader of the Democratic Party, said that day, “The Democratic Party has consistently stated that (the nominee) is by no means suitable for a position that guarantees political neutrality and promotes broadcasting,” and urged President Yoon, “I strongly urge you once again to withdraw the nomination.”

On the same morning, after President Yoon nominated Lee as the new chairman of the Korea Communications Commission, the Democratic Party held a press conference in front of the presidential office in Yongsan, Seoul, demanding the withdrawal of the nomination. Floor leader Park said, “President Yoon nominated a person opposed by 60% of the public and 80% of journalists as the chairman of the Korea Communications Commission,” and strongly criticized, “From now on, the chairman of the Korea Communications Commission will be called the chairman of broadcasting control and broadcasting suppression.”

Park further stated, “The chairman of the Korea Communications Commission is a crucial position that must protect broadcasting freedom and independence, maintain political neutrality based on publicness and public interest, and promote broadcasting,” and claimed, “The suppression related to KBS, MBC, YTN, and others is all connected to nominee Lee Dong-gwan.”

He added, “If nominee Lee Dong-gwan attempts to take control of broadcasting ahead of next year’s general election to create a favorable environment for the election, it will never succeed,” and emphasized, “The Democratic Party will join forces with the people to protect press freedom and broadcasting independence, and firmly crush broadcasting control and media suppression.”

Go Min-jung, a Democratic Party lawmaker, said, “As the chairperson of the Special Committee on the Media, I will humbly investigate one by one the issues of nominee Lee Dong-gwan’s child’s school violence, his wife’s personnel requests, and media surveillance to protect the independence, autonomy, and neutrality of the Korea Communications Commission,” and added, “I will discuss future struggle plans together with the joint countermeasure committee of opposition parties including the Democratic Party and various civic groups.”

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