"Baeksulgi in the Trash Can... The 'Sibo Tteok' Power Abuse That Made the Youngest Public Official Cry, Eventually Prompting Ministerial Intervention"

Various items distributed to colleagues and superiors after the probationary period for public officials ends. Photo by Internet Community

[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Kim Choyoung] Jeon Hae-cheol, Minister of the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, recently stated that he would "look into" the controversial 'Sibo Tteok' culture among public officials.

On the 17th, Minister Jeon responded this way during a report to the National Assembly's Administrative and Safety Committee when Lee Young, a member of the People Power Party, pointed out that "negative opinions about the Sibo Tteok practice are overwhelming."

Lee said, "Nowadays, not only rice cakes but also pizza, macarons, and pies are shared, and meals are also hosted," adding, "When I joined a workplace community, there were comments about the Sibo Tteok practice such as 'it's a bad custom' and 'knowing the low salary of a Grade 9 public official, it's really tiring to be a public official.'"

'Sibo (試補)' refers to the status of a public official candidate during a probationary period before being officially appointed as a public official to assess their suitability. It is said that after the usual 6 months to 1 year Sibo period ends, the custom of giving out rice cakes as a token of thanks, called 'Sibo Tteok,' has been followed.

Recently, a post on an online community sparked controversy when a colleague who had finished the Sibo period, due to financial difficulties, handed out only Baekseolgi (white rice cakes), and the team leader of a neighboring team threw them into the trash.

The author shared a heartbreaking story, saying, "My female colleague cried because of the Sibo Tteok. Due to her difficult family situation, she just handed out one Baekseolgi each, but the neighboring team leader showed a somewhat incredulous expression upon receiving them. Although she reluctantly said thank you, later, when no one was looking, he threw them into the trash can. Since she was the youngest, she saw it while emptying the office trash can. She cried all night that day."

Meanwhile, prospective public officials are also reportedly worried about the Sibo Tteok culture. On public official exam preparation cafes, many posts express concerns such as "What quality level should the Sibo Tteok be?" and "If really cheap items are given, are they thrown into the trash?"