By Kang Jae-eun
“Our objective is to foster a healthy South Korean media environment through bold regulatory reforms, addressing outdated and unreasonable regulations concerning broadcast advertisements and programming,” stated Kim Jong-cheol, chairperson of the Korea Media and Communications Commission (KMCC), during a press conference marking his first six months in office.
The KMCC, acting as the nation’s primary media watchdog, is also advancing plans for a dedicated media development committee. This new committee will be tasked with enhancing policies crucial for the future of the Korean media industry, Kim confirmed.
Key agendas slated for discussion by this public-private committee include a significant restructuring of funding systems across South Korea’s broadcasting, media, and telecommunications sectors, the KMCC chief further elaborated.
Chairperson Kim also noted the commission is closely monitoring local broadcaster JTBC, following recent bankruptcy filings by two companies associated with the network.
On the enforcement of substantial fines, approximately 68 billion won (US$50.42 million), levied against Alphabet Inc.’s Google and Apple Inc. for violating South Korea’s in-app payment laws, Kim refrained from detailing progress, stating only that the agency would formalize its decision “soon.”
