[Asia Economy Reporter Park Cheol-eung] Choi Moon-soon, Governor of Gangwon Province who declared his candidacy for the presidential election, has publicly demanded the resignation of Choi Jae-hyung, Chairman of the Board of Audit and Inspection.
On the 20th, Governor Choi held a press conference at the National Assembly and issued a statement saying, "We cannot be audited politically by Chairman Choi Jae-hyung. The Chairman of the Board of Audit and Inspection must resign immediately."
He pointed out, "Following former Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-youl, another investigative agency head, Chairman Choi Jae-hyung, is showing political behavior while still in office," adding, "The Chairman of the Board of Audit and Inspection holds a position that has a tremendous impact on all public officials in our country. In particular, it is a position that audits whether public officials violate political neutrality."
He continued, "It is strictly prohibited for a public official in office to undermine political neutrality," and emphasized, "Especially, having a person who does not hide political intentions in the powerful position of Chairman of the Board of Audit and Inspection affects the entire public service society of the Republic of Korea, so it is even more unacceptable."
Chairman Choi Jae-hyung appeared at the National Assembly on the 18th and, when asked about his presidential candidacy, said, "I will organize my thoughts and announce them soon."
Governor Choi criticized, "Chairman Choi Jae-hyung must explain to the public whether he has been engaging in politics by using the authority of the Chairman of the Board of Audit and Inspection. If so, he should not have held the position of Chairman. If not, it can only be said that he deceived the public and the appointing authority and engaged in disguised employment."
He emphasized again, "We cannot be politically audited by Chairman Choi Jae-hyung."
Governor Choi also proposed the 'nationalization of the Gangwon-type childcare allowance.' He explained, "It is a method of directly supporting childcare allowances to parents or families who have babies," adding, "In Gangwon Province, 400,000 won is provided monthly for a period of four years. The birth decline rate in Gangwon Province has decreased to the lowest level nationwide."
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