News

Over 3000 workers at the public broadcaster KBS TV, Korea responded to the call of the unions  and went on a historic strike on May 29 to call for the CEO of KBS, Mr. Kil Hwan-Young to step down.

Kil Hwan-Young has influenced the editorial line of the news department with a number of intervention. The latest incident was him forcing commentators not to criticize the role of the Korea Cost Guards in the Sewol Ferry disaster. He also forced a News Desk Director to resign over his comments on Sewol Ferry tragedy.

Mr. Kwon Oh-Hoon, KBS Union President, on behalf of all KBS union members, apologised for KBS TV's dishonest and distorted reports on the Sewol Ferry disaster.

"We were cowards and tried to close our eyes and followed the order from above. This struggle is a mandate from people, so we have to win this fight and return to KBS for people." He said in to a large crowd of striking workers.

The impact of strike action is unprecedented and let to the resignation of over 300 senior managers and all unions and associations represented in KBS refuse to cooperate with the management.

Bro. Kang Sung-Nam, President of the UNI affiliate, the National Union of Media Workers NUMW said, "We had to normalize KBS TV, as a public broadcaster and deliver the real story to the public. Under the leadership of Mr Kil Hwan-Young  KBS TV will not be returned to normal status."

UNI MEI President Gerry Morrissey said “our colleagues at KBS, Korea are fighting an important fight for the integrity of public service broadcasting and public service values. They deserve our support and broadcasting unions around the world stand with colleagues at KBS.”