Abstract: A remote control method and apparatus for a remote controller having a touch panel as an input device, performs a remote control operation of an image apparatus, such as a television, either by inputting a character onto the touch panel or by controlling a cursor according to the contact location of a finger or a pen contacting the touch panel. The input character or contacting the touch panel to control a cursor, are used to select a function shown on a menu screen displayed on the image apparatus. The selection is made according to the movement of the cursor, causing the image apparatus to perform the function corresponding to either the character input onto the touch panel or the function selected by the cursor. The result of employing a touch screen is to reduce the number of keys of the remote controller and, thus, perform the desired function more easily.