The legislature on Friday passed all of the bills that support President Park's plans to restructure the government, effectively ending the 51-day standoff at the National Assembly.
The new Government Organization Act institutes 17 ministries, three lower-level ministries and 17 independent agencies.
The long overdue passage of the bills took place in a plenary session Friday, which was made possible after the ruling and opposition parties reached a consensus on the new science ministry's jurisdiction over broadcast policy late Thursday night.
The ruling Saenuri Party decided to accept the opposition Democratic United Party's request to allow the Korea Communications Commission have a final say on terrestrial TV networks rather than the new science ministry.
But the KCC will still consult with the science ministry about matters related to technology.


"The Korea Communications Commission will issue permits and renew them for terrestrial networks, after the science ministry gives out its technological review."

The KCC will also have the final say on broadcasting licenses, renewals and content changes for cable and satellite TV operators, as the DUP had requested.


"We mulled over and discussed these issues for a long time."

The final agreement reflects the wishes of the DUP, which had expressed grave concerns about the expansion of the new science ministry's authority, saying it would hurt media neutrality.
Analysts say the ruling party may have buckled under the intense pressure in order to help President Park, who was inaugurated nearly one month ago,.. so she could run the country with a fully functioning government.


"The president is expected to request confirmation of the nominess for the two newly created ministries, which is necessary for the government to become fully functional."
Kim Yeon-ji, Arirang News.

Reporter : yjkim@arirang.co.kr