우리나라 방송 3법 개정과 외국 방송 법제와의 비교연구

Public broadcasting is a key system that guarantees citizens' right to know and the diversity of public opinion formation in a democratic society. The reason for its existence is not simply the provision of broadcasting services. It lies in the 'realization of publicity' independent from the state and capital. Public broadcasting in Korea has always been at the center of political debate. The controversial decision to separate collection of KBS license fees in 2023 and the conflict over personnel rights by the Korea Communications Commission are representative examples of re-emerging the issue of securing political neutrality and independence of public broadcasting. Since the inauguration of the Lee Jae-myung administration in 2025, the National Assembly has passed amendments to the three Broadcasting Act (Broadcasting Act, Broadcasting Culture Promotion Association Act, and Korea Educational Broadcasting Corporation Act). The revision was centered on the "three major reform pillars" of strengthening the independence of public broadcasters, political neutrality of the Korea Communications Commission, and transparency in the appointment of president. The government and the ruling party demand the dismantlement of the political subordinate structure of public broadcasting and the introduction of civic participatory governance. In contrast, the opposition party argued that the revision "risks turning public broadcasting into a political tool centered on civic groups." The laws and systems of foreign public broadcasting have great implications compared and analyzed with Korea. The revision of the three broadcasting laws in 2025 should be a significant turning point in Korea's media legislation as the independence and political neutrality of public broadcasting are systematically guaranteed. In light of the case of ARCOM in France and NHK in Japan, this revision shows that Korea is in the stage of transitioning from a power-oriented broadcasting policy to a citizen participation-oriented broadcasting governance. However, in order for the revised law to guarantee practical independence, follow-up legislation to make the personnel process transparent, secure financial autonomy, and prevent political intervention must be carried out in parallel.