[2020 National Audit] 150 Million KRW in Fraudulent Family Allowance Claims Over 5 Years at Government-Funded Research Institutes

EKYUNGYEON, 50 Cases and 24.48 Million KRW in 5 Years, 'Most and Largest' Violations Detected
KDI 23 Cases and 23.94 Million KRW, Korea Institute of Curriculum and Evaluation 33 Cases and 21.66 Million KRW
Architecture and Urban Space Institute, Korea Institute for International Economic Policy, and Korea Industrial Economics Institute Report Zero Cases

[Asia Economy Reporter Moon Chaeseok] It has been revealed that national research institutes and affiliated organizations improperly received a total of 153.75 million KRW in family allowances over five years.

According to data submitted on the 18th by 24 national research institutes and affiliated organizations under the Korea Institute of Science and Technology Evaluation and Planning (KISTEP), as provided by Yoon Kwan-seok, chairman of the National Assembly's Political Affairs Committee and member of the Democratic Party of Korea, a total of 27 institutions were caught for improper receipt of family allowances 230 times between 2016 and 2020, amounting to 153.75 million KRW.

Family allowances are paid according to the number of dependents to assist workers' living expenses, based on guidelines from the research association. Spouses receive 40,000 KRW per month, the first child 20,000 KRW per month, the second child 60,000 KRW per month, and from the third child onward, 100,000 KRW per month per child. Dependents other than spouses and children receive 20,000 KRW per month each.

Among the national research institutes under the Korea Institute of Science and Technology Evaluation and Planning, the Energy Economics Institute had the highest amount of improper receipt. It accounted for about 16% (50 cases, 24.48 million KRW) of the total improper receipt amount across all institutes.

Following were the Korea Development Institute with 15.6% (23 cases, 23.94 million KRW) and the Korea Institute for Curriculum and Evaluation with 14.1% (33 cases, 21.66 million KRW).

The institution caught for the largest amount per case was the Korea Labor Institute, which improperly received 5.11 million KRW due to double receipt between spouses.

The number of family allowance improper receipt cases detected by institution over the past five years are as follows: ▲Korea Institute of Science and Technology Evaluation and Planning 2 cases ▲Science and Technology Policy Institute 11 cases ▲Korea Research Institute for Human Settlements 29 cases ▲Energy Economics Institute 50 cases ▲Korea Information Society Development Institute 5 cases ▲Korea Institute for National Unification 4 cases ▲Korea Development Institute 23 cases ▲KDI School of Public Policy and Management 5 cases ▲Korea Educational Development Institute 14 cases ▲Korea Institute for Curriculum and Evaluation 33 cases ▲Korea Transport Institute 7 cases ▲Korea Labor Institute 3 cases ▲Korea Rural Economic Institute 2 cases ▲Korea Legislation Research Institute 1 case ▲Korea Women's Development Institute 8 cases ▲Korea Institute of Public Finance 26 cases ▲Korea Institute of Criminology 5 cases ▲Korea Environment Institute 2 cases.

Institutions with zero detected cases include ▲Architecture and Urban Space Research Institute ▲Korea Institute for International Economic Policy ▲Korea Institute for Industrial Economics and Trade ▲Korea Institute for Health and Social Affairs ▲Korea Institute of Child Care and Education ▲Korea Research Institute for Vocational Education and Training ▲Korea Youth Policy Institute ▲Korea Maritime Institute ▲Korea Institute of Public Administration.

Chairman Yoon stated, "While some institutions operate family allowances exemplary, many institutions are still caught for improper receipt of family allowances," adding, "Although institutions explain that most cases are unintentional, such as due to relocation or household separation, the fact that the issue of improper receipt of family allowances, which has been consistently pointed out, has not yet been resolved is a problem of moral laxity."

He further urged, "It is necessary to prevent unnecessary administrative burdens caused by carelessness and to be cautious about the possibility of intentional improper receipt," and emphasized, "We will pay special attention to management and supervision to ensure that there is no improper payment related to family allowances or salaries."