(EDITORIAL from the Korea Herald on Oct. 15)

Whiff of irregularity

The dismissal of popular presenter Kim Je-dong from a KBS quiz show has raised
suspicion that the move was politically motivated.
One may ask how a decision to replace a television show host is a political
issue. However, take into consideration that Kim served as the host for the
memorial ceremony for former President Roh Moo-hyun held in front of City Hall in
May and that he took part in a concert marking the establishment of the Roh
Moo-hyun Foundation last week, and the suggestion that Kim was replaced for
political reasons does not seem so far-fetched.
The state broadcaster claims that the decision to replace Kim - who has presented
the show for four years - was made to breathe new life into the program. The
replacement was timed with the introduction of its fall programming, KBS said. It
also said that the show's low ratings did not justify the high cost of keeping
Kim on.
These reasons may have been more persuasive, had the actual circumstance of Kim's
dismissal been different. Kim was notified of the dismissal only three days
before the recording of the show. Had Kim's replacement been part of the regular
fall program shakeup, the long-time presenter, popular for his quick wit, should
have been notified well in advance.
As for the argument that it was time for a change, there are many TV hosts who
have stayed on with the same show for much longer.
For these reasons, the opposition parties' claim that Kim was let go due to
political pressure does not sound like a groundless charge. When singer Yoon
Do-hyeon, who is not shy about his progressive political views and is a close
friend of Kim, lost his popular music programs on television and radio earlier
this year, there were similar suspicions.
There is some expectation that Sohn Seok-hee, a popular host of MBC's "100-minute
Debate" may be replaced. Sohn, host of the show since 2002, has been a target of
the extreme right. MBC said it is reviewing whether to replace Sohn as part of
the program shakeup in November.
As is the case with Kim, MBC claims that the change is aimed at making the
program more "competitive." However, that claim is difficult to accept - the
veteran journalist is seen as one of Korea's most trusted and influential media
figures, according to public opinion polls.
There is a whiff of irregularity in the way these popular media figures are being
replaced. It would be a difficult task to substantiate the claim that those
unpopular with the current administration are being axed. However, it is equally
difficult to shake off the feeling that that is precisely what is happening.
(END)