Telecom watchdog chairman resigns amid bribery scandal

Telecom watchdog chairman resigns amid bribery scandal. January. 28, 2012 08:40. havefun@donga.com.

Choi See-joong resigned Friday as chairman of the Korea Communications Commission in a surprise move after three years and 10 months on the job. He had been named to the post in March 2008 following the inauguration of the Lee Myung-bak administration.

In a hurriedly organized news conference at the commission in central Seoul, Choi said, “I`d like to leave lightly since I`m completely exhausted both physically and mentally. It`s time for me to leave.”

On the reason for his resignation, he said, “The pride of the Korea Communications Commission as a whole has been severely damaged, which is completely lamentable. The commission as an organization shouldn`t be attacked by outsiders nor its major policies should suffer a setback because of me,” adding, “I hope that my departure will help the commission to be free from prejudice or misunderstanding held by the public, and provide a stepping stone to take a new leap forward.”

Choi drew criticism due to the suspicion that a key confidant took bribes in return for business favors and gave envelopes with cash to members of the parliamentary committee on culture, sports, tourism, broadcasting and communications. On the allegations, Choi said, “I read a news report suggesting the prosecutors’ investigation of my aide has found no particular grounds for suspicion,” thus indirectly denying the accusations.

Reading a document on his thoughts on his resignation, Choi said, “I did not recognize if my job was difficult because I`ve enjoyed working so much over the past four years,” showing emotion of regret, adding, “My resignation statement implicitly addresses everything, and I hope you use your ample imagination to interpret it.”

A ranking commission official said, “Chairman Choi finalized his decision to step down over the Lunar New Year holiday. He expressed his intent to resign to key ruling Grand National Party leaders this morning, and people around him tried to dissuade him, but he was determined.”

In the wake of Choi’s resignation, his deputy Hong Seong-gyu will serve as acting chairman in line with Article 6 of the Korea Communications Commission Act.