"To Give 'Gaeddal' a Chuseok Gift"... Lee Jinsook Plans Legal Action over Abolition of Korea Communications Commission (Comprehensive)

With the National Assembly passing a bill to abolish the Korea Communications Commission and establish the Broadcasting, Media, and Communications Commission, Lee Jinsook, Chairperson of the Korea Communications Commission, was automatically dismissed from her position. The ruling and opposition parties had sharply contrasting reactions, and Chairperson Lee strongly protested, announcing plans for legal action.

On September 27, the National Assembly passed the bill to establish the Broadcasting, Media, and Communications Commission with 176 votes in favor and 1 against. The legislation abolishes the Korea Communications Commission, which was established in 2008, and integrates its functions with those of the Ministry of Science and ICT related to paid broadcasting to create a new body. As a result, after 17 years, the Korea Communications Commission system has come to an end, and the Broadcasting, Media, and Communications Commission system will be launched. Upon the enforcement of the law, the chairperson of the Korea Communications Commission will lose their position regardless of their remaining term.

Lee Jinsook, Chairperson of the Korea Communications Commission. Photo by Kim Hyunmin

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Park Ji-won, a lawmaker from the Democratic Party of Korea, posted on social media immediately after the bill passed, stating, "Lee Jinsook, your time as chairperson is over," and added, "The president should immediately promulgate the law and not give her any more opportunities to make nonsensical remarks." He continued with sarcasm, "Now you can buy as much bread as you want with your personal credit card," and remarked, "Broadcasting should belong to the people, not the administration. President Lee Jaemyung and the Democratic Party will demonstrate what that truly means."

In contrast, Chairperson Lee strongly objected. Immediately after the bill passed, she stated, "How can such a law exist?" and pointed out, "The Broadcasting, Media, and Communications Commission Establishment Act is no different from the Korea Communications Commission Act except for its name." She also argued, "There is insufficient rational basis for only dismissing those in political appointments automatically," and criticized, "Designating the chairperson of the Broadcasting, Media, and Communications Review Committee as a political appointee and subjecting them to parliamentary hearings and impeachment procedures is dangerous."

On September 28, Chairperson Lee held a press conference at the National Assembly, stating, "The law was hastily passed and contains many unconstitutional elements," and announced, "If the bill is approved by the Cabinet, I will pursue every possible legal response, including a constitutional complaint and injunction." She described the law as "legislation targeting me," and criticized, "The Democratic Party passed the law without sufficient consultation to give its hardline supporters, the 'Gaeddal,' a Chuseok holiday gift." She further argued, "The Lee Jaemyung administration will try to swiftly turn public broadcasters into stations aligned with the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions' media union," and warned, "There is a high risk that broadcasting and communications review will lose its objectivity."

The Broadcasting, Media, and Communications Commission Establishment Act is scheduled to be promulgated and enforced after being forwarded to the government and approved by the Cabinet.

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