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🇰🇷 South Korea /Culture & Society

Media groups demand YTN sale approval be revoked

From Hankyoreh · () Korean

Translated from Korean, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • Media and civic groups are urging the Korea Communications Standards Commission (KCSC) to revoke its approval of YTN's sale to Eugene Group, citing procedural irregularities.
  • A court previously ruled the approval process, conducted with only two presidential appointees, was illegal.
  • Despite the ruling, the KCSC has delayed administrative action, leading to accusations of dereliction of duty and concerns about setting a dangerous precedent for media control.

A coalition of nine media and civic organizations is demanding that the Korea Communications Standards Commission (KCSC) reverse its approval of YTN's sale to Eugene Group, asserting that the decision was based on illegal procedures. The groups argue that the KCSC is neglecting its duty by failing to rectify the situation following a court's previous ruling that the approval process was flawed.

Last November, the Seoul Administrative Court declared the KCSC's predecessor's decision to approve Eugene Group as YTN's largest shareholder, based on a vote by only two presidential appointees, to be unlawful. While Eugene Group has appealed the ruling, the KCSC has yet to take decisive administrative action. The commission has reportedly failed to reach a consensus in recent meetings, with two opposition-appointed members walking out of a session on August 21, preventing even the discussion of a hearing for Eugene Group's disqualification.

The current KCSC has the responsibility and authority to correct past mistakes, but now it's making excuses like 'further investigation is needed' or 'there are concerns about litigation.'

— Jeon Jun-hyeongHead of the YTN branch of the Korean Federation of Press Unions, criticizing the KCSC's inaction.

Jeon Jun-hyeong, head of the YTN branch of the Korean Federation of Press Unions, criticized the KCSC's hesitation, stating, "The current KCSC has the responsibility and authority to correct past mistakes, but now it's making excuses like 'further investigation is needed' or 'there are concerns about litigation.'" He warned that failing to normalize YTN could set a dangerous precedent, suggesting that media can be seized through any means as long as control is established, with no possibility of reversal.

The "Joint Action to Prevent Media Control," comprising over 90 media and civic groups, echoed these concerns. In a statement, the group questioned the purpose of independent administrative bodies if they refrain from exercising their authority due to fear of legal disputes. They argued that the KCSC should prioritize preventing the erosion of broadcasting's public nature and citizens' right to know over concerns about lawsuits or the personal safety of its members.

What is the reason for the existence of independent administrative agencies if they do not exercise their authority out of fear of legal disputes?

— Joint Action to Prevent Media ControlA statement from the coalition of media and civic groups questioning the KCSC's inaction.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Hankyoreh in Korean. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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