South Korea’s ruling, opposition parties brace for showdown over broadcasting bill

South Korea’s ruling, opposition parties brace for showdown over broadcasting bill

South Korea’s ruling Democratic Party (DP) and the conservative opposition People Power Party (PPP) are heading for another parliamentary clash over a controversial broadcasting bill.

The DP, which holds a majority with 167 of 298 seats, plans to unilaterally propose amendments to the Foundation for Broadcast Culture Act. The bill would expand the board of the Foundation for Broadcast Culture, a key shareholder in public broadcaster MBC, from nine to 13 members, while granting stronger roles to media and broadcasting associations.

The DP argues the changes will reduce government influence on public broadcasters KBS, MBC, and EBS. The PPP, however, contends the reforms will only increase progressive dominance in public media governance.

A similar attempt earlier this month was blocked after the PPP launched a filibuster, forcing the bill to be shelved. The opposition has vowed to mount another filibuster during Thursday’s plenary session.

If the measure passes, the DP plans to move forward with the remaining broadcasting bills, along with the “yellow envelope bill” to expand labor protections and a revision of the Commercial Act. Earlier this month, the DP-controlled assembly approved the first of three broadcasting reforms with an amendment to the Broadcasting Act.

Under South Korea’s National Assembly Act, a filibuster can only be ended after 24 hours if three-fifths of lawmakers—at least 180 members—vote to halt it.

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