Minister Yusangim: "Communication Service Restrictions or Suspensions Not Possible... No Agreement on Martial Law"

Yoo Sang-im, Minister of Science and ICT, Yonhap News

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Minister Yoo Sang-im of the Ministry of Science and ICT stated, "Even in times of war or national emergencies equivalent thereto, it is impossible to broadly restrict or suspend the public's basic right to use communication services."

Minister Yoo made these remarks on the 13th during a current issues inquiry at the National Assembly's Science, ICT, Broadcasting and Communications Committee regarding the roles of related agencies during martial law.

This is interpreted as an explanation addressing the controversy that arose when some internet sites, such as Naver Cafes, experienced access disruptions immediately after martial law was declared, raising suspicions that the government restricted the public's use of communication services citing the national emergency.

Minister Yoo explained, "Article 85 of the Telecommunications Business Act allows the Minister of Science and ICT to limit or suspend telecommunications operations of telecommunications service providers and set priorities for communication service usage in order to secure major communications when a war, emergency, or a comparable national crisis occurs or is likely to occur."

He added, "This is intended to establish priorities for communication service usage to secure important communications related to national security, military, and public order in situations of communication restrictions such as sudden surges in call volume or destruction of communication facilities."

He continued, "Therefore, I clearly state that this provision does not allow for broad restrictions or suspension of the public's basic right to use communication services."

When asked about his stance on martial law by Rep. Hwang Jeong-ah of the Democratic Party, Minister Yoo said, "If I must give a personal judgment, I do not agree with martial law."

When Rep. Hwang pressed, "You said you actively expressed opinions at the Cabinet meeting to lift martial law, but what opinions did you express in a meeting that lasted only two minutes?" he replied, "We waited for an hour because the Cabinet members were not fully present, and there was time to establish formal agenda items."

Regarding the constitutionality of martial law, Minister Yoo responded to Rep. Han Min-su of the Democratic Party, "Personally, I think there is a possibility of unconstitutionality," but on whether it was an insurrection, he said, "I believe that is within the jurisdiction of the judiciary, so it is not appropriate for me to answer."

When Rep. Jo In-cheol of the Democratic Party asked, "What would you do if the president ordered to seize and stop all means of communication?" Minister Yoo answered, "Since it would be an illegal order, I would not comply," adding, "I consider this my right as a minister."

Earlier, before the inquiry, Minister Yoo apologized in a current issues report, saying, "I sincerely apologize as a member of the Cabinet for causing confusion and concern among the public."

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