Kim Tae-gyu, the acting chairman of the Korea Communications Commission (KCC), addressed his colleagues during the commission's new year ceremony, urging them to work diligently and remain steadfast. His remarks came shortly after he submitted his resignation letter to the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance, Choi Sang-mok, over the controversial appointment of two constitutional court judges, which he challenged during the cabinet meeting.
On January 3 at the KCC ceremony, Kim reflected on the tough year prior, stating, "When I look back, I think last year was more eventful than any other year." His comments underscored his appreciation for the employees' efforts amid significant challenges. The resignation he proposed was rejected by Choi just the day before, as tensions arose surrounding the abrupt judicial appointments.
Among key issues Kim addressed was the increasing concern over deepfake-related sexual crimes, which have gained traction as serious social problems. He pointed out the KCC's efforts to launch comprehensive measures against illegal spam and deepfake crimes, recognizing them as urgent matters needing clear solutions.
Kim highlighted the growing collaboration between traditional broadcasting companies and OTT platforms, particularly following SBS's strategic partnership with Netflix. This notable agreement, which commenced at the end of 2022, allows SBS to supply new and old content to Netflix over the next six years, including popular shows like "Running Man" and "The Hourglass." Starting from the second half of 2025, some SBS dramas are even set to be released globally with Netflix’s investment.
During his remarks, Kim acknowledged the broadcasting industry’s financial struggles, stating, "According to the 2023 Broadcasting Industry Survey released late last year, broadcasting revenue fell by 800 billion won compared to 2022, of which about 600 billion won was from declining advertisement revenue." He emphasized the dire circumstances traditional media is facing as it transitions to adapt to changes where content distribution is increasingly dominant on platforms like OTT and YouTube. This change, he pointed out, showed the industry's urgent need to innovate and adapt.
Kim strongly urged his colleagues to actively engage with these shifts, adding, "A notable point is the rapid shift of the content focus toward OTT or YouTube, with traditional media also entering the center of this transformation." He reassured his staff of the KCC's commitment to fostering innovation within the broadcasting and communication media sector, maintaining social responsibility, and ensuring user protection.
Concluding his address, Kim urged his team to remain resilient during trying times, empathizing with those among them who may have struggled with their health due to excessive workloads over the past year. He expressed hope for everyone to prioritize their health and promised to make efforts for their well-being moving forward.