Controversy-ridden cable network chief offers resignation

SEOUL, Aug. 3 (Yonhap) -- The head of South Korea's 24-hour cable news network
YTN offered to step down, the company said in a press release Monday, following a
year-long struggle with the company union over his appointment that opponents
said was based on his personal ties to President Lee Myung-bak.
Gu Bon-hong, appointed to his current position by President Lee in July last
year, made the announcement during an editors' meeting Monday, expressing hopes
of seeing "more harmony" in the company after his resignation, the company said.
Gu was formerly a media adviser to President Lee during his presidential campaign
in 2007.
"It's been a year since I took office, and the company has stabilized somewhat
during the period," Gu was quoted as saying. "I have concluded that it is now the
time for me to step down."
Gu faced a months-long walkout of unionized workers at YTN, who opposed to his
appointment they viewed as politically motivated.
They accused President Lee of filling top broadcasting positions with those
favorable to his conservative government as initial steps in his ultimate plan to
gag broadcasters critical of his policies and privatize state-run television
channels.
Blocked from entering his own office for nearly five months through December last
year, Gu filed law suits against union leaders who led the blockade and fired six
unionists, aggravating the labor-management tension.
Nearly 60 percent of YTN`s shares are owned by four public companies, and the
government has been seeking to sell off the shares to the private sector.
hayney@yna.co.kr
(END)