Jeon Hyun-hee: "Board of Audit and Inspection, Intimidation and Coercion of False Answers... Seriously Considering Resignation"

Jeon Hyun-hee, Chairperson of the Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Sejong=Reporter Son Seon-hee] Jeon Hyun-hee, Chairperson of the Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission, stated on the 17th, "Due to concerns about potential disadvantages that employees might face because of the Board of Audit and Inspection's audit, we, including the vice chairpersons and myself, are seriously considering whether we should resign to prevent this."

Jeon made this appeal around 1 a.m. through her social media, saying, "I feel fear and extreme terror to the extent that I cannot eat properly or sleep at night due to the power core insiders' regime-level total offensive resignation threats, the Board of Audit and Inspection's continuous intimidating audits, resulting criminal charges, and concerns about disadvantages to employees." The Board of Audit and Inspection is conducting a special audit targeting Jeon's attendance. However, as interpretations have emerged that this audit is a 'purge' against Jeon, who was appointed during the previous administration, controversy over the Board's neutrality is arising.

Regarding the ongoing audit, Jeon claimed, "They are conducting coercive and illegal audits by demanding audit materials that are not legally required to be submitted," and added, "Until we provide answers that align with the Board of Audit and Inspection's intentions, special investigation officers from the Special Investigation Bureau have detained (employees) for more than half a day, repeatedly asking the same questions in turn, coercing desired answers." She further criticized, "Repeated summons in the same manner to coerce false answers from public officials in obligatory ways suggests that the Board of Audit and Inspection is inducing fear, showing that they will stop at nothing to capture the chairperson according to a predetermined script."

She continued, "Due to extreme tension and stress caused by fear, my health has deteriorated to the point where it is difficult to perform my duties properly," and "Vice chairpersons with fixed terms are also under strong psychological pressure in similar situations while undergoing audits by the Board of Audit and Inspection," repeatedly appealing for understanding.

Jeon particularly pointed out, "The Board of Audit and Inspection, which claims to be an institution supporting the president's state administration, seems to have been mobilized for regime-level resignation pressure." This is interpreted as a response to the controversial remark made by Board Chairperson Choi Jae-ha during the National Assembly work report on the 29th of last month, where he said, "The Board of Audit and Inspection supports the president's state administration," sparking neutrality concerns.

Meanwhile, within the government, increasingly strong remarks have been exchanged regarding Jeon's position. The day before, Prime Minister Han Duck-soo directly addressed Jeon, saying, "I think it is better to refrain from mentioning politics too much as a public official who must maintain strict neutrality." This was a warning in response to Jeon's continuous public criticism of the resignation pressure against her.