MBC 100 Minute Discussion” MC Son Seok-hee resigns under pressure

Posted on : 2009-10-23 12:17 KST Modified on : 2019-10-19 20:29 KST
Son as the latest target for progressive political views is ousted from primetime
 the moderator of MBC “100 Minutes Debate.”
the moderator of MBC “100 Minutes Debate.”

Son Seok-hee, a professor at Sungshin Women’s University, announced on Thursday that he will resign from his position as MC of MBC “100 Minute Discussion” television program. Son has been a target for resignation because his views have been classified as progressive. The decision was made two weeks after KBS’s decision to fire Kim Je-dong, the MC of a popular KBS2TV weekend primetime program “Star Golden Bell,” in what many observers say is political retaliation for his remarks about the Ssangyong Motors strike and for serving as an MC for the funeral procession of late President Roh Moo-hyun.

In a letter of resignation that Son wrote and posted to the 100 Minute Discussion on-line forum, he expressed his intention to resign in saying, “Out of consideration of focused efforts to bring about my resignation, I think it is inappropriate for me to burden others by keeping my position.” Son’s resignation came one month after MBC President Um Ki-young mentioned the possibility of replacing Son on Sept. 21.

Son also expressed his disagreement with the argument that he shows his political bias. He said, “I made a pledge to be free of partisan views seven years and ten months ago when I became the MC of “100 Minute Discussion,” and I have kept that pledge.”

MBC said that it will accept Son’s resignation, and is also stating that it was his decision to resign.

MBC’s union, however, said, “We think MBC should take responsibility in this matter because it has acted as a bystander ever since the Lee administration has applied pressure on Son to resign.”

Please direct questions or comments to [englishhani@hani.co.kr]