On Dec. 23, at a year-end press conference held near the Government Sejong Complex, Minister Yoo Sang-im of the Ministry of Science and ICT is speaking./Courtesy of Shim Min-kwan.

Respecting the autonomy of broadcasting and telecommunications businesses is our fundamental principle. However, it is not easy for operators to refrain from excessive profit-seeking. The recent blackout incident involving CJ is a representative example. If the government does not intervene and adjust (regulate) to some extent, significant issues may arise.

Minister of Science and ICT Yoo Sang-im held a press conference near the Government Sejong Complex on the 23rd and noted, "When the government steps in, it will do so boldly and decisively to prevent greater harm to the public." On the 5th, CJ OnStyle halted the broadcasting of home shopping programs on three cable TV channels, including D.Live, Arum Broadcasting, and CCS Chungbuk Broadcasting.

Minister Yoo expressed concerns that the enactment of the 'Basic Law on Artificial Intelligence (AI),' which recently passed the National Assembly's Legislation and Judiciary Committee, could weaken the development of the AI industry due to regulations. He stated, "There are concerns that if the law passes, the government will continuously monitor and burden AI operators, but the Ministry of Science and ICT will strive to minimize regulations when creating the enforcement decree that the law delegates."

Minister Yoo also expressed concerns regarding the Trump administration. He stated, "With the recent imposition of martial law, the decline in external credibility, and the sharp rise in the won-dollar exchange rate, difficult conditions domestically are anticipated as the Trump administration is set to take office." He added that pressure in trade areas and defense cost burdens are expected, and changes that cannot be predicted in the fields of science and information communication technology may also occur. He remarked, "It is a clear fact that it will provide us with a significantly difficult environment compared to the Biden administration."

On that day, Minister Yoo stated that he would soon reveal his stance on the launch of the fourth mobile carrier. He commented, "There have been several government announcements regarding the promotion of the fourth mobile carrier which have continuously failed. If the government announces the initiative for the fourth mobile carrier and then retracts it again, people will lose trust in future government announcements." He mentioned, "I have seriously considered it and prepared guidelines, and I plan to announce detailed information early next year."

Regarding the budget mobile phone business, Minister Yoo emphasized that he is looking for ways to enhance the technology and services of small operators. He mentioned, "There is a significant gap in technology and service between mobile operator subsidiaries and small budget mobile operators. If large companies' budget mobile subsidiaries occupy most of the market, there will be no space for small operators, so I am paying close attention to finding ways to enhance their technology and services." He further explained that "the discussions on the launch of the fourth mobile carrier and the budget mobile phone business are ultimately aimed at achieving the major goal of reducing communication costs."

Minister Yoo stated, "I believe we must do our best as cabinet members to minimize the shock from the recent impeachment of the president," and added, "I believe that the Ministry of Science and ICT officials have taken various measures meticulously, and we will ensure there are no disruptions going forward."