KOREA: Opposition takes to street over media bills

Democratic Party's protests include a "10 million signature campaign"

The Korea Times
Saturday, July 25, 2009

Legislators of the main opposition Democratic Party took to the street on Saturday evening in protest of the ruling Grand National Party's passage of media reform bills, calling the vote invalid, Yonhap news agency reported.

The Democratic Party lawmakers, together with other leaders of the minority opposition parties, gathered at Seoul Railways Stations square and held a protest rally.

The organizers adopted a "declaration to the citizens" in which it called for the public's support for its cause of the protest that aims to nullify the bill.

The Democratic Party plans to hold rallies touring across the nation, including a "10 million signature campaign" to protest the new media bill.

"People are predominantly criticizing the media 'hijacking' bill and supporting our party," an official of the Democratic Party said. "The public opinion is also on our side. So, we are confident that we can nullify the bill by engaging in street rallies."

The opposition camp regards the new bill is intended to open the door for big businesses and newspapers to run broadcasters, which would practically monopolize the media market, and for the matter, the public opinion.

Date Posted: 7/25/2009