SEOUL - President Yoon Suk Yeol of South Korea accepted the resignation of Korea Communications Commission (KCC) Chairman Lee Dong-kwan on Friday, hours before the National Assembly was scheduled to vote on his impeachment. The president's office confirmed the approval of Lee's dismissal following his resignation offer submitted late Thursday.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Lee Dong-kwan's resignation came amidst accusations by the main opposition Democratic Party (DP) of unfair personnel decisions and appointments aimed at bolstering government control over broadcasting stations. The DP, holding a majority in the National Assembly, had introduced an impeachment motion against the KCC Chairman, which was expected to pass during a parliamentary session on Friday.
Lee reportedly chose to resign due to recent mishandling of KCC operations and concerns over a potential suspension of the commission's duties if the impeachment motion were passed. The conflict over the broadcasting watchdog's leadership is seen as part of political maneuvering by rival parties ahead of the parliamentary elections in April, considering the significant influence of broadcasting stations on voters.
With Lee's resignation, KCC Vice Chairman Lee Sang-in will temporarily lead the commission as its acting chief. The KCC, which already had three of its five standing member positions vacant, is now operating with a single person in charge. The commission is expected to carry out only essential tasks until a new chairperson is appointed. Observers anticipate that a nominee for the new chairperson may be announced soon to prevent a vacuum in the KCC's responsibilities.