Former Korea Communications Standards Commission Chairman Ryu Heerim Appears at National Assembly, Refuses to Take Witness Oath During Audit

Appears Before National Assembly After 15 Months
Ryu: "Under Investigation by Prosecution and Police"

Ryu Heerim, former chairman of the Korea Communications Standards Commission, appeared before the National Assembly for the first time in about one year and three months, but refused to take the oath as a witness during the parliamentary audit.

Ryu Heerim, former chairman of the Korea Communications Standards Commission, is seated in the witness stand refusing to take the oath at the Science, Technology, Information and Broadcasting and Communications Committee’s audit held at the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul, on the 23rd. Photo by Yonhap News Agency

On the 23rd, Ryu appeared as a witness at the audit of the Science, Technology, Information and Broadcasting and Communications Committee of the National Assembly and refused to take the oath, stating, "According to the witness summons sent to me by the National Assembly, it is clearly stated that the main point of questioning concerns the alleged illegal instigation of complaints at the Korea Communications Standards Commission. This matter is currently under reinvestigation by the police, and several other cases reported by the National Assembly and others are also under investigation by the prosecution and police."

Ryu cited legal grounds such as the Act on Testimony and Appraisal before the National Assembly and the Constitution, asking for understanding regarding his refusal to testify.

According to Article 3, Paragraph 2 of the Act on Testimony and Appraisal before the National Assembly and Article 148 of the Criminal Procedure Act, a witness may refuse to testify if the testimony could lead to criminal prosecution or conviction of oneself or a relative. Article 12, Paragraph 2 of the Constitution also stipulates that no one shall be compelled to testify against themselves in a criminal case.

Ryu is suspected of mobilizing family members and acquaintances to file "self-initiated complaints" with the Korea Communications Standards Commission in connection with the September 2023 Newstapa report and subsequent coverage of the "Kim Manbae-Shin Hakrim false interview" (alleged obstruction of business). He is also accused of forming an inspection team and ordering an improper audit to identify the anonymous whistleblower who reported the case to the Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission (alleged violation of the Conflict of Interest Prevention Act).

The Yangcheon Police Station in Seoul cleared Ryu of the allegations of instigating complaints (obstruction of business), but the prosecution requested a reinvestigation, and the Public Crime Investigation Unit of the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency is currently conducting a new investigation.

Meanwhile, on this day, Ryu responded to Choi Minhee, chair of the committee from the Democratic Party of Korea, who repeatedly asked whether he would also refuse to testify or answer questions, by saying, "I refuse to testify on matters related to that."

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