Presidential Office Criticizes Broadcasting Commission Chair for Misunderstanding Authority

On July 9, Kang Yoo-jung, spokesperson for the Presidential Office, directed sharp criticism at Lee Jin-sook, the Chair of the Korea Communications Commission (KCC), following President Lee Jae-myung's strong rebuke the previous day. Kang stated, "If one confuses 'instructions' with 'expressing opinions,' I personally believe they are unfit to speak at the Cabinet meeting."

During a briefing, Kang responded to questions regarding Lee Jin-sook's claims that she received directives from President Lee to draft a broadcasting law. He countered that it was more of a request for her opinion rather than a direct order. When asked if there would be discussions about excluding Lee from future Cabinet meetings, Kang mentioned, "There have been no discussions yet, but personally, I think it could be considered."

Previously, on July 7, Lee Jin-sook publicly stated during a National Assembly meeting that she had been instructed by President Lee to create proposals related to the 'three broadcasting laws.' In response, Kang clarified that the President's communication was more about seeking her input than issuing a command.

Kang emphasized that the KCC Chair attends Cabinet meetings without voting rights and that the right to speak is granted by the President. He noted that while Lee has been allowed to speak, there have been instances where confidential meeting details were leaked, which have been used for personal political gain.

President Lee also warned during the Cabinet meeting that it is inappropriate to distort comments made in private sessions for personal political purposes. Despite this, Lee Jin-sook reiterated on her Facebook that while it is generally inappropriate to disclose private meeting comments, she felt compelled to correct what she perceived as distortions in media reports, asserting that she did receive instructions from the President to draft improvements to the broadcasting law.