Seoul: Acting President Choi Sang-mok on Tuesday vetoed an opposition-led amendment requiring a strict quorum for the operation of the state broadcasting regulator.
According to Yonhap News Agency, during a Cabinet meeting, Choi requested the National Assembly reconsider the revision to the Korean Communications Commission (KCC) Establishment and Operation Act, citing concerns over its unconstitutionality. The bill stipulates that KCC plenary meetings can only be convened if at least three standing commissioners are present.
While the commission has five standing seats, three positions, which should be appointed by the parliament, remain vacant due to political deadlock among rival parties. As a result, the KCC is currently operating under a two-member system consisting of Chairperson Lee Jin-sook and Vice Chairperson Kim Tae-kyu, both appointed by the president.
Choi expressed concerns that the revision bill's strict quorum requirements could hinder the KCC's ability to oversee broadcasting and telecommunications policies and conduct essential functions, potentially affecting both the public and businesses adversely. "If these requirements are enforced, meetings cannot be convened without the National Assembly's commissioner appointments, effectively preventing normal operations," Choi stated.
This decision marks the ninth time Choi has exercised his veto power since assuming interim leadership in December. In August, the opposition-led National Assembly voted to impeach KCC Chairperson Lee, arguing that she had made KCC decisions with only two members while leaving three commission seats vacant. The Constitutional Court dismissed the impeachment in January, allowing Lee to resume her duties.