Lee Jin-sook, Chairperson of the Korea Communications Commission, answers questions from lawmakers at a plenary session of the National Assembly's Science, ICT, Broadcasting and Communications Committee held at the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul on August 20. Yonhap News.

Lee Jin-sook, Chairperson of the Korea Communications Commission (KCC), stated on the 31st, "I have consistently argued that the legally mandated term for agency heads should be guaranteed," adding, "It is wrong to interpret this politically."

In a Facebook post titled 'Response to the remarks of Woo Sang-ho, Senior Secretary to the President for Political Affairs,' Lee explained, "The term for the KCC Chairperson extends until August 2026, and the 2026 local elections are scheduled for June 3rd. If I complete my term, running in the local elections will be impossible."

Previously, Woo Sang-ho appeared on a TV program, 'Special Dialogue with Metropolitan Broadcasting Stations,' and was reported to have said, "It seems the purpose of (Lee Jin-sook) being the KCC Chairperson is political. If she intends to run (in elections), isn't it right to resign and leave?"

Woo also commented on Lee, saying, "When I see her in cabinet meetings, she always makes prepared remarks without being asked, creating news. Even without our briefings, she goes out and reveals what she said on social media (SNS) or in the press room. No matter how I look at it, I cannot shake the suspicion that she is using her position for political purposes."

In response, Lee stated, "I have never made separate prepared remarks in cabinet meetings," but countered, "I do not agree with the view that making prepared remarks in cabinet meetings separately or disclosing remarks to SNS and reporters constitutes political maneuvering."

Regarding the appointment of public broadcasting directors when the KCC had a two-person system immediately after her inauguration on July 31st of last year, Lee reiterated, "According to the KCC Establishment Act, meetings can be held with two members," asserting, "This means it is legal."

The resolution made under the two-person KCC system was a major reason for the impeachment proceedings against Lee last year. However, the Constitutional Court dismissed the impeachment motion with a 4-4 vote earlier this year. Furthermore, courts have consecutively issued rulings to cancel decisions made by the KCC under the two-person system, but there have been differing opinions among judges regarding the legality and illegality of resolutions made under the two-person system itself.

Regarding the ongoing discussions in the National Assembly, led by the Democratic Party of Korea, to reform the KCC, Lee expressed her opposition, stating, "They are proposing to change the Korea Communications Commission to the Audiovisual Media and Communications Committee, and then to the Public Media Committee, in order to remove one agency head."

She argued, "The rule of law begins with guaranteeing the legally prescribed term of office for agency heads. If the law is changed for a purpose, it is ruling over the law, and ruling over the law is dictatorship."

Yonhap News