National Assembly hearings on broadcasting and media were overshadowed by political disputes surrounding Lee Jin-sook, a lawmaker from the ruling People Power Party. Controversy erupted over Lee's visit to the grave of President Lee Jae-myung's father and allegations of a conflict of interest regarding her participation in the hearings, pushing critical issues like user protection and media policy to the sidelines.
On October 12, the Science, Technology, Information, Broadcasting and Communications Committee held its audit in the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul.
Immediately after the hearing began, ruling and opposition parties clashed. The conflict was sparked by Lee Jin-sook posting a photo on her social media from her visit to the grave in Bonghwa County on October 10. Ruling party members demanded her exit from the hearing, while Lee defended her actions, stating, "I reported the illegal establishment of the grave on behalf of the public."
In the afternoon, the debate continued over whether Lee's participation in the audit constituted a conflict of interest. The ruling party argued that auditing decisions made during her tenure as chair of the Korea Communications Commission should exclude her. In contrast, Lee pointed to a case involving Democratic Party member Kim Hyun to raise issues of fairness.
In response, Chairman Song Gi-hun stated that a separate judgment would be made regarding Lee's participation in the audit related to her previous role, adding the exclusion proposal to the agenda. Following a vote, opposition members abstained, and the proposal to exclude Lee was passed with 12 votes in favor.
As political disputes continued, discussions on key issues were delayed. In the morning, questioning on critical matters began about an hour after the hearing started, while in the afternoon, it commenced approximately three hours later.
During the questioning, topics included user protection in AI, linked information (CI), delays in imposing fines on Google and Apple for in-app payments, and government interference in the privatization process of YTN.
Democratic Party member Lee Jeong-heon criticized the lack of measures to protect youth from short-form dramas and AI chatbots. In response, the Broadcasting and Media Communications Committee announced plans for focused monitoring of short-form dramas and collaboration with relevant agencies to establish a youth protection system.
Democratic Party member Lee Joo-hee highlighted the risks of youth over-immersion in AI chatbots, calling for protective measures such as age verification and parental consent. Chairman Kim Jong-cheol responded, "We will support the improvement of laws and systems in consultation with relevant departments."
The need for a right to request the renewal of linked information (CI) due to personal data breaches was also raised. Kim Seon-min, a member of the Justice Reform Party, pointed out that victims find it difficult to change or stop using their CI even if it is leaked. Chairman Kim stated, "We are pursuing a system that allows for the expiration of CI and are preparing for related legislative improvements."
Criticism was also directed at the delays in imposing fines on Google and Apple regarding in-app payments. Chairman Song pointed out that it has been three years since the preliminary notice of fines was issued in October 2023, yet a final decision has not been made.
Chairman Kim explained, "We are currently in the final decision-making stage," adding that they are finalizing the review by gathering opinions and evidence from the parties involved. He assured that a decision would be made before the end of October.
Concerns were raised regarding illegal sites like 'Nunu TV' and 'New Toki' appearing in Google searches. Yoon Gu, CEO of Google Korea, acknowledged the issue and stated that measures to limit exposure to illegal sites would be developed.
Questions also arose about whether the government had improperly intervened in the privatization process of YTN during the time of the Korea Communications Commission. Vice Chairman Ko Min-soo responded, "We are currently preparing for a hearing related to YTN."
Additionally, issues such as responses to illegal information on Telegram and the financial difficulties faced by local cable TV due to declining advertising revenue were discussed.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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