Comprehensive programming channel MBN (Maeil Broadcasting) has had its six-month suspension order from the Korea Communications Commission canceled by the Supreme Court.
The Supreme Court's second division, led by Chief Justice Park Young-jae, confirmed on the 13th the lower court's ruling in favor of MBN in the lawsuit filed against the Commission for the cancellation of the suspension and other measures.
Earlier, the Commission had decided in October 2020 to impose a six-month suspension, citing that MBN had violated broadcasting laws by illegally obtaining its capital. However, it decided to postpone the suspension for six months out of concern for the impact on partner companies.
In response, MBN filed a lawsuit against the Commission's decision. The first and second trials had differing judgments. The first trial in November 2022 stated that "the plaintiff (MBN)'s misconduct appears to be highly illegal," recognizing four out of the five grounds for the Commission's decision as valid, leading to a ruling against the plaintiff. However, the second trial said that while the first trial's judgment seemed "appropriate," considering the direct and indirect influences related to the abuse of discretionary power, it would likely result in an effective cancellation of operations, despite the appearance of a business suspension.
The Supreme Court determined there was no significant violation of laws in the second trial's ruling and confirmed the decision to dismiss the appeal in a simple manner as 'dismissal without deliberation.'