Seoul - Members of the ruling People Power Party (PPP) initiated a sit-in protest in front of the parliamentary chamber on Thursday, opposing the main opposition Democratic Party's (DP) motion to impeach Korea Communications Commission (KCC) Chairman Lee Dong-kwan. The DP, holding a majority in the National Assembly with 168 seats, plans to pass the impeachment motion on Friday, accusing Lee of unfair personnel practices and attempts to increase government influence over broadcasting stations.
According to Yonhap News Agency, The PPP, however, contends that the DP's impeachment efforts are politically motivated. They protested against National Assembly Speaker Kim Jin-pyo's decision to open a plenary meeting and report the impeachment motion, contrary to the PPP's request to focus solely on the government's 2024 budget. The PPP's sit-in is expected to continue until Friday's meeting. This clash over the broadcasting watchdog chief's position is part of the broader political maneuvering by both parties in the lead-up to April's parliamentary elections, given the significant influence of broadcasting stations on voters. Additionally, the DP aims to vote on two impeachment motions against prosecutors on Friday.