State-owned Network Trying to Save Embattled CEO

Korean Broadcasting System said yesterday that it will seek to nullify a state auditor’s request to fire its embattled CEO Jung Yun-joo.

Jung also blasted the Board of Audit and Inspection’s recommendation to dismiss him, saying, “The auditor’s decision is politically inspired and has produced poor results.”

In a news conference, Jung said, “KBS has posted a net gain of 18.9 billion won since my inauguration in 2003, but the auditor reported an accumulated deficit of 117 billion won, only focusing on operating losses from 2004 to 2007. This is flat wrong.”

On charges of conducting preferential personnel management, he said, “I gave employees who missed out on (promotion) opportunities due to a bureaucratic seniority system.”

Jung also warned the KBS board of directors against voting to fire him tomorrow, saying, “If the board of directors makes a decision that undermines KBS` independence, it will be a crime against history. Broadcast law doesn’t entitle the president to sack the KBS chief, so if he wants me out of office, he should first prepare relevant procedures and persuasive grounds.”

jjj@donga.com