Fair Trade Commission, Severe Disciplinary Action Against Daytime Drinking Director... "Applying Zero Tolerance and Strict Punishment Principle"

[Sejong=Asia Economy Reporter Kwon Haeyoung] Chairman Cho Seong-wook of the Fair Trade Commission announced on the 12th that "regarding the allegations of daytime drinking and assault by a bureau-level executive, we have requested suspension from duty and severe disciplinary action against the bureau chief," and stated that a zero-tolerance, strict punishment principle will be applied to any future acts that betray trust.

Chairman Cho said at the expanded executive meeting of the Fair Trade Commission that morning, "Due to this unfortunate incident, the Fair Trade Commission has caused great disappointment and concern among the public.

Chairman Cho took strict measures against three managers who violated the Kim Young-ran Act (Improper Solicitation and Graft Act) by playing golf with company executives and having the companies cover the expenses, including notification of fines, suspension from duty, and demands for severe or moderate disciplinary actions and additional penalties. Two cases of failure to report contact with outsiders were also discovered and resulted in warnings.

Earlier, Bureau Chief A of the Fair Trade Commission was under investigation for allegations of drinking during the day at a restaurant, engaging in verbal disputes and physical altercations with subordinates. In response to this public service discipline breach, the Fair Trade Commission plans to conduct high-intensity inspections over the next two months regarding service discipline and abuse of power.

Chairman Cho emphasized, "This should serve as an opportunity for executives to take the lead in firmly establishing public service discipline so that not a single violation occurs," and added, "We will continuously promote organizational culture improvements to internalize public service discipline based on high pride and professionalism."

He continued, "For the Fair Trade Commission to fulfill its role as a guardian of the market economy, deep public trust in the commission is essential," and said, "Since the Fair Trade Commission is an institution that monitors the market and enforces laws, every member must devote all efforts to earning strong public trust through a clean organizational culture rooted in the integrity and morality of each individual."