SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA — A major broadcasting reform bill aimed at diminishing government control over public broadcasters was passed by South Korea's opposition-dominated National Assembly, sparking a walkout by members of the ruling People Power Party (PPP).
According to Yonhap News Agency, the bill was approved after a 24-hour filibuster by the ruling party was ended by the main opposition Democratic Party (DP). The legislation, which received a 183-0 vote from opposition lawmakers only, amends the Korea Communications Commission's structure to require a larger majority for decisions, shifting from two to four standing members needed to pass resolutions. This change is seen as a move to prevent governmental overreach in media operations, specifically targeting the current practice where two presidential appointees can control the commission.
The DP has argued that the reform is essential to curb political influence in public broadcasting, particularly in the appointment of directors to major networks like MBC and KBS. The PPP, however, contends that the changes would favor progressive figures unduly and disrupt the impartiality of public media governance.
Following the bill's passage, the opposition plans to advance three more related broadcasting bills that propose similar governance reforms across other public media bodies. Meanwhile, the PPP has initiated another series of filibusters in response, signaling continued legislative battles over media control in South Korea.
Last year, President Yoon Suk Yeol vetoed three of these broadcasting bills after they were passed by the opposition-controlled parliament, except for the recent amendment concerning the Korea Communications Commission.