Proposals for restructuring the South Korean government have met with disapproval from the country’s opposition party, according to Arirang News. As previously reported by CommsUpdate, under the plans by the ruling Saenuri Party, the role of the Korea Communications Commission (KCC) is expected to be reduced with regards to the promotion of broadcast and communication matters. One of two new ministries proposed is the Ministry of Future Creativity and Science (MFCS), which would take responsibility for matters related to science, technology and IT and take over from the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology (MEST). In particular, work related to the promoting of information and communications technology, which is currently handled by the KCC, would be delegated to this new ministry, as a result of which the National Science and Technology Commission would be dissolved, while the MEST would become simply the Ministry of Education.
However, following a meeting between the Saenuri Party and the main opposition Democratic United Party (DUP), the two sides failed to reach a compromise regarding the proposals, with the issue of transferring part of the KCC’s assigned responsibilities to the MFCS said to be one of the most controversial issues. It is understood that the DUP has claimed the move threatens media impartiality. Talks on the matter are expected to continue today, but should the two sides fail to reach an agreement, the bill appear would be not pass the plenary session scheduled to take place on that same day.