Gukgiyeon’s First Director 'Myeonjik'... "Inappropriate Use of Business Promotion Expenses"

[Asia Economy Yang Nak-gyu, Military Specialist Reporter] The director of the Defense Technology Promotion Institute (hereinafter referred to as Kookgiyeon) has been dismissed. This marks the first time since the establishment of Kookgiyeon that its inaugural director has been dishonorably removed.

A government official told Asia Economy on the 13th, "Following an internal audit by the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA), it was found that Director Im misused operational expenses during his tenure and verbally abused staff, leading to the decision to discipline him," adding, "A recruitment announcement for the director position was also issued on the 12th."

Former DAPA Administrator Wang Jeong-hong amended the articles of association of the Defense Technology Quality Institute (hereinafter referred to as Gipumwon) in December 2020 and established Kookgiyeon under Gipumwon to plan and manage defense technology. In January of the following year, Im, former head of DAPA’s Firepower Business Division, was appointed as the first director. However, after a whistleblower initiated an audit, Im suddenly submitted his resignation after serving for one year and eight months. DAPA’s internal audit revealed inappropriate use of operational expenses, and Gipumwon held a disciplinary committee on December 29 last year, deciding on dismissal. Director Im became the first director and the first to be dismissed with disciplinary action, bearing this dishonor.

Some speculate that since President Yoon Seok-yeol has ordered the establishment of a 'Defense Industry Export Planning Team' (tentative name) under the Second Deputy Director of the National Security Office, the next director is likely to be a retired military officer. Deputy Director Im Jong-deuk is a retired Army Major General from the 42nd class of the Korea Military Academy and has served as deputy commander of the Capital Corps. As Deputy Director Im is currently selecting personnel to form the Defense Industry Export Planning Team, it is highly probable that the next Kookgiyeon director will be a retired officer who can work closely with them. Currently, it is known that the recruitment for the director position includes applications from the current Kookgiyeon Headquarters A director and former Headquarters B director.