The Corruption Investigation Office Initiates Plans to Strengthen Organization and Talent Capabilities... Research Service Contract Issued

Gwacheon Government Complex, Corruption Investigation Office for High-Ranking Officials.

[Asia Economy Reporter Choi Seok-jin, Legal Affairs Specialist] The High-ranking Officials' Crime Investigation Agency (Gong-su-cheo) is commissioning a policy research project to develop measures for strengthening organizational capabilities.

On the 24th, Gong-su-cheo announced that it will commission a policy research project through a private contract (quotation bidding method) on the 25th to devise measures to enhance investigative capabilities and to develop and expand talent, thereby strengthening the agency's organizational capabilities.

The policy research project will be undertaken by a specialized research institution with the capability and experience to scientifically analyze and derive measures for strengthening organizational capabilities from organizational and personnel management perspectives. The project is scheduled to run for four months, from mid-June to mid-October.

Gong-su-cheo explained the background, stating, "There have been ongoing criticisms from the National Assembly, media, and legal circles that enhancing investigative capabilities is urgent for Gong-su-cheo to fulfill its founding purpose and meet public expectations. Reflecting these opinions, Gong-su-cheo has decided to commission a policy research project to seek concrete measures to stabilize the agency and improve organizational performance."

With a budget of 45 million won, the four-month research will focus on ▲ appropriateness and strengthening measures of the organizational system ▲ measures to enhance human capabilities ▲ introduction of cases from overseas anti-corruption investigative agencies and derivation of implications.

Regarding 'appropriateness and strengthening measures of the organizational system,' the research will analyze the history of the Gong-su-cheo Act and diagnose Gong-su-cheo's functions to secure and strengthen the appropriateness of the organizational system.

For 'measures to enhance human capabilities,' the research will explore ways to secure excellent personnel from the recruitment stage of prosecutors and investigators, enhance capabilities during employment, maintain long-term employment, manage positions linked to performance, and establish systematic talent development and reward systems.

Lastly, for 'introduction of cases from overseas anti-corruption investigative agencies and derivation of implications,' the research will derive improvement measures through comparative analysis of overseas anti-corruption investigative agencies such as the UK's Serious Fraud Office (SFO).

The announcement period is from the 25th to noon on the 31st, and the announcement can be found on the Public Procurement Service's National Comprehensive Electronic Procurement System (Nara Market) or Gong-su-cheo's website.

A Gong-su-cheo official stated, "The research results will be used as internal reference materials for Gong-su-cheo's organizational operations and will also be submitted as reference materials if discussions on revising the Gong-su-cheo Act, such as increasing personnel, proceed in the National Assembly."