Chairperson nominee Kim Jong-chul of the Korea Media and Communications Commission said on the 4th about the KMCC's most pressing issue, "Because the commission has had a long administrative vacuum, I will put the highest priority on stabilizing the organization," adding, "If I am successfully appointed, we will need to prepare follow-up measures such as the three broadcasting bills." He went on, "In the communications field as well, false or manipulated information is becoming a social problem, and I will do my best to ensure that legislation and enforcement proceed effectively in line with the spirit of the Constitution."
That morning, on his way to the office set up near the Government Complex Gwacheon to prepare for his confirmation hearing, Kim met with reporters and said, "Regarding this weighty constitutional task of establishing human dignity and a democratic basic order, I will fulfill my given role in building a faithful broadcasting, media and communications ecosystem." He added, "I will gather and heed the opinions of the organization's members and focus on stabilizing the organization."
Kim was nominated on the 28th of last month as the first Chairperson nominee of the KMCC. In the meantime, the KMCC has effectively been run by two people due to ruling-opposition party conflict.
Regarding the preparation of enforcement rules at the KMCC level following the passage of the three broadcasting bills, he said, "I was briefed during the preparation process and heard that a draft is being diligently prepared," adding, "Once the commission is formed, we will put our heads together and create enforcement decrees and rules based on the spirit of the Constitution."
He also presented a vision to redefine the KMCC not as a simple regulatory agency but as a "public communication commission." He likewise emphasized the need to establish a "tentatively named Media Development Committee" with participation from government ministries and the private sector. Kim said, "I will work to make the KMCC a truly public communication commission," adding, "We will clear blockages and straighten what is bent to contribute to building optimal broadcasting, media and communications infrastructure."
Kim said, "Broadcasting, media and communications form the foundation of politics, the economy, society and culture," adding, "The commission has not been properly constituted, so it has failed to play its role in people's lives and the economy, but I will do my best to remake it into an institution that contributes to the public."
He also noted that policy responses have been slow amid a rapidly changing media environment centered on artificial intelligence. He said, "We will ensure that the public can enjoy a safe and free media ecosystem."
Asked about the Democratic Party's push for a "false or manipulated information eradication law," he said, "This is an area I have long studied, and I have my own thoughts, but speaking rashly could create preconceptions," adding, "Because this is a seven-member deliberative body, a good conclusion will come out of the deliberation process," signaling caution.
Asked whether the president had any specific instructions during the nomination process, he said, "There were no concrete requests at all," adding, "I take it to mean I should safeguard neutrality and independence on my own."
Kim said he would operate the commission with seven members if at all possible and asked the opposition party to work on forming the membership. On the possibility that the opposition would recommend Commissioners, he said, "I am confident they will indeed make recommendations," adding, "Even if the worst happens, we will first handle current issues that should not become targets of political strife."
Kim also said, when asked whether he would appeal in relation to the cancellation of YTN's approval, "After thoroughly reviewing the ruling, we will proceed (on whether to appeal)."