KOREA: Cable news YTN president offers sudden resignation

YTN president says resignation "will lead to the internal harmony of the company," but doesn't mention whether he will drop his lawsuit against YTN union members

The Korea Times
Monday, August 3, 2009

By Bae Ji-sook

YTN President Koo Bon-hong offered to resign Monday after months of pressure from the news broadcasters union.

Koo, 61, one of the chief strategists for the Lee Myung-bak camp during the presidential campaign, has seen his relationship with YTN unionists sour since being named to head the cable news channel last year.

"It has been more than a year since I became YTN president. We have achieved a lot, and it is time for me to leave," he said in a statement. "I know that internal conflict over my presidency still lingers, and I think my resignation will lead to the internal harmony of the company. In addition, I am worn out."

The outgoing CEO did not mention if he would drop his litigation against the unionists.

The union has claimed that Koo's appointment was part of the Lee Myung-bak administration's attempt to control the media.

The labor union opposed his nomination and physically blocked him from entering his office for five months. Koo later fought back by sacking three labor union leaders and filing legal complaints against them.

His successor will be named in the forthcoming meeting of the board of directors.

Koo started his career as a journalist at MBC. He moved to a Christian cable television network and served as a vice president before being named to head YTN.

Date Posted: 8/3/2009