Yoon dismisses Korea Communications Commission chief

Han Sang-hyuk, chairman of the Korea Communications Commission, heads into his office in Gwacheon, Gyeonngi, on Tuesday. [YONHAP]

President Yoon Suk Yeol approved the dismissal of Han Sang-hyuk, chairman of the Korea Communications Commission (KCC), announced the presidential office on Tuesday.

Earlier this month, Han was indicted on charges of involvement in the alleged manipulation of scores of conservative cable channel TV Chosun in the process of renewing its broadcasting license in 2020.

Han, appointed by former liberal President Moon Jae-in, has been under pressure to resign since the Yoon government took office in May 2022. His term would have run through July.

Han didn’t fulfill his duties, failed to exercise fairness and “abused his authority” as KCC chief, said the presidential office in a statement. It added he “ignored the internal standards” set by the commission and arbitrarily shortened the license renewal period from four to three years.

Yoon reached the decision after a careful review of a report on Han’s case by the Ministry of Personnel Management last week, said his office.

Prosecutors alleged that TV Chosun’s renewal process was tampered with during the review process to give the cable network a low score, accusing Han of obstruction of justice and forging of documents.

TV Chosun barely received conditional approval after receiving a failing score in the fairness category in 2020.

BY SARAH KIM [kim.sarah@joongang.co.kr]