A global labor union has opposed President Lee Myung-bak’s decision to dismiss the chief of national public broadcaster KBS, Jung Yun-joo, saying the move undermined the broadcaster's independence and media freedom.

In a news conference Monday, Union Network International (UNI) supported the domestic labor sectors which claimed the government’s media shakeup would blemish the image of the nation and adversely affect its economic development.

UNI stressed it would continue to back South Korean labor unions until their demand to ensure media diversity is met and launch a worldwide campaign in support.

Union Network International is the global union for skills and services and represents over 15 million members in 900 unions from more than 140 countries.