hankyoreh

an adjunct professor at Sungkonghoe University

By Choi Sung-jin　

The scandal caused by MBC’s regulations for deliberating limits on regular broadcasting appearances is producing an ongoing series of statements from figures in academic, cultural and media circles expressing refusal to appear on the broadcaster‘s programs.

On July 18, novelists Lee Oi-soo and Gong Ji-young and Seoul National University Professor Cho Kuk announced boycotts of MBC, while Semyung University Professor Je Jeong-im, who features on the broadcaster’s “Hand-held Economics” program, stated that she was severing her ties with it.

Regulations limiting regular appearances decided by MBC on July 13 restrict regular appearances in cases of “statements or acts that openly support or oppose, or work to the advantage or disadvantage of, certain individuals or groups with regard to contentious social issues or matters where acute conflicts of interest exist.”

On July 18, Tak Hyeon-min, an adjunct professor at Sungkonghoe University, gave a performance in protest at the provision of regulations restricting regular appearances by “social-tainers,” entertainer vocal about social issues, in front of MBC’s main building, and announced a “list of intellectuals refusing to appear on MBC.” The list was signed by 13 people, including novelist Gong Ji-young, SNU Professor Cho Kuk, film producer Kim Jo Gwang-su, cultural critic Kim Gyu-hang, current affairs critic Kim Yong-min, and writer Ji Seung-ho.

Professor Tak said that writer Lee Oi-soo did not sign the refusal list, but stated his will to help the “struggle against appearing on MBC,” not only by not appearing on its programs, but in ways such as using Twitter. Lee Oi-soo presented a radio program called “Lee Oi-soo’s Eonjung Yukwae” on MBC for one year, starting in October 2008. Power blogger Mediamongu refused a request to appear on the MBC program “Super Blogger” next week.

“MBC’s regulations on limiting regular appearances infringe upon the freedom of expression guaranteed by the constitution and censor the thoughts and actions of those appearing on MBC,” said Professor Je Jeong-im during a telephone interview with The Hankyoreh. “As an individual appearing [on MBC], there was no way I could accept restrictions on those that appear regularly.” Professor Cho Kuk said, “If, until now, various broadcasters have banned or restricted a few social-tainers from appearing on a personal level, MBC’s new regulations are an extremely dangerous idea in that they make this into something systematic.”

“We have already clearly stated MBC’s position on regulations for deliberating limits on regular broadcasting appearances. I have nothing more to say,” said Lee Jin-suk, head of MBC’s public relations bureau, regarding the issue.

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