President to converse with citizens on air

President Kim Dae-Jung plans to discuss a wide range of issues including the national economy, the people`s livelihood and inter-Korean relations during a televised "conversation with the people" at 7 p.m. on March 1. The program will be jointly sponsored by the three major TV networks, KBS, MBC and SBS, the Korea Broadcasting Commission said Tuesday.

The commission said that an advisory committee including the heads of the three broadcasters would be formed to choose a master of ceremonies and panelists and decide on the method of conducting the broadcast.

As president-elect, Kim held his first "dialogue with the people" on Jan. 18, 1998 and hosted similar broadcasts on May 10 and Feb. 21, 1999.

Yun Seung-Mo ysmo@donga.com