[Column] The Ministry Eldest Brother Losing Its Center

[Asia Economy Reporter Jang Sehee] An unfortunate incident has occurred at the Ministry of Economy and Finance, causing unrest in the public service community. In particular, a recent case where a Grade 5 official at the Ministry was booked on charges of sexual assault and subsequently suspended from duty has shocked many.

While this can be seen as a personal misconduct of the official, recent developments suggest it is not something to be simply overlooked. On the 5th, Hong Nam-ki, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance, emphasized internal discipline during an expanded executive meeting, saying, "Please pay special attention to meticulous work performance, compliance with quarantine measures, and establishment of discipline while attending the G20 Finance Ministers' Meeting." However, it seems that his orders are not being effectively enforced. Moreover, incidents such as workplace harassment have been occurring repeatedly within the Ministry recently.

The Ministry's vulnerabilities are evident not only in lax discipline but also in its work. Since the COVID-19 outbreak, the supplementary budget has been prepared six times, but projects have frequently been reversed due to political pressure. The cashback program, designed to encourage consumption at self-employed businesses and small restaurants, unexpectedly became controversial, leading to a rushed expansion of eligible usage locations. Every time the supplementary budget is submitted to the National Assembly, its contents are largely overturned, to the extent that the phrase "National Assembly's time" is used after submission. The idea is that once submitted, revisions should be made by the National Assembly. While detailed coordination is possible in the Assembly, projects have even been abolished or budgets drastically cut.

Internal dissatisfaction regarding personnel stagnation continues as well. The position of Social Budget Officer, overseeing education, employment, and culture, has been vacant for several months, and appointments for section chiefs remain uncertain.

Despite various controversies, the Ministry of Economy and Finance still claims to be the eldest brother among government ministries. If its honor and credibility decline due to repeated misconduct and zigzag policy moves, it will inevitably affect the public service community, including other ministries. These days, there is even ridicule that civil servants are being dragged around by the political sphere. There is an urgent need for measures to restore discipline in public service.