Moves Made to Oust KBS Chief

SEOUL, August 8: The board of directors of the Korean Broadcasting
System (KBS) has approved a proposal to oust the pubcaster’s president, Jung Yun-joo.

According to a report on the KBS website, Jung’s fate now rests in the
hands of Korean President Lee Myung-bak. The vote followed a recommendation by
the Korean government’s Board of Audit and Inspection (BAI), which cited
mismanagement and abuse of power on the part of Jung.

The decision by the KBS board was reportedly not unanimous, with four
directors walking out of the meeting, arguing that the BAI did not have the
right to propose Jung’s dismissal.

For some, the actions by the BAI reflect an attempt by President Lee to
exert greater control over the Korean press.

Jung’s supporters are
arguing that while President Lee has the authority to appoint the head of KBS,
he does not have the right to dismiss him. Jung has been at the helm of the
Korean pubcaster since 2003, having been appointed by former President Roh
Moo-Hyun.

—By Mansha Daswani