"No one is watching KBS" The public is angry at the forced payment of 2,500 won for the license fee... in favor of segregation

The Office of the President recommended separate collection of KBS subscription fees to the Korea Communications Commission and the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy. KBS countered, claiming that it undermined the basis of public broadcasting.

According to the Presidential Office on the 5th, the Korea Communications Commission and the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy recommended separate collection of KBS TV license fees. Kang Seung-gyu, Senior Vice President for Civil Society, said, "We reflected the people's complaints of inconvenience and demand for change regarding the integrated collection method of license fees and electricity rates, which has been maintained for 30 years after the introduction. It was recommended to revise related laws and prepare follow-up measures for separate collection. "he explained.

From March 9, the Office of the President sent a proposal to the people to improve the method of collecting TV license fees (integrated collection of TV license fees and electricity bills) for one month. About 56,016 people (96.5%) supported the separate collection of subscription fees, and only 2019 people (3.5%) opposed it. At the time, KBS pointed out that important factual relationships were omitted, saying, "The question was raised that it is possible for the same person to vote repeatedly. The fairness of the public opinion collection process was also damaged, such as the encouragement of voting at the party level."

KBS issued a statement on the same day, saying, "The separate collection of license fees is a serious issue that can damage the foundation of public broadcasting."

"The integrated subscription fee collection is the most efficient way to maintain public broadcasting at the lowest cost," he added.

He also emphasized, “It is time for social discussions on the change in the role of public broadcasting and the overall financial system in a media environment that has changed from separate taxation, which is concerned about serious social side effects.”

Netizens who saw the article supported the President's office's arguments, such as "No one is watching KBS, but forced payment of 2,500 won makes no sense," "Abolition of viewing fees is the answer," and "97% of the people agree, what side effects?"

Reporter Ryu Ye-ji and Ten Asia ryuperstar@tenasia.co.kr