[Politics X-File] Public Officials Resign Every 4 Years... What Stories Lie Behind the 'January of Farewells'?

(38) 90 Days Before the General Election, Rush of Public Officials Resigning
Annual Resignation Parade in the Bureaucracy Every 4 Years
Administrative Experts Challenge Yeouido Politics

Editor's Note"Political X-File" is a series that delivers the "unprecedented stories" recorded in the election results and incidents of Korean politics.

As January approaches, most public officials, immersed in the New Year atmosphere, are preparing to say goodbye. The parade of mass resignations of public officials that repeats every four years. Why are they trying to leave public office? It is said that public officials nationwide submit their resignations ahead of that day, but what stories are hidden in this "farewell January"?

The January episode that everyone who knows knows, and those who don't know don't, is related to the fundamental human desire. The desire for power. The parliamentary general election held once every four years makes the hearts of public officials interested in politics beat faster. Their rich administrative experience boosts the confidence of public officials dreaming of politics.

However, to smoothly transition from the stable public office society to the jungle-like politics of Yeouido, something is needed. That is the National Assembly member badge. Although new regional National Assembly members are elected from 253 constituencies nationwide (based on the most recent general election), not just anyone can wear the National Assembly member badge.

Sejong-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, Government Seoul Building / Photo by Jinhyung Kang aymsdream@

If one does not have a definite competitiveness in their constituency, running as an independent candidate can be like throwing eggs at a rock. Receiving nomination from a major political party increases the chances of winning the main election. Public officials who intend to run in the general election must resign from public office before that day arrives.

The "day" mentioned here is related to the candidacy restriction regulations for public officials stipulated in Article 53 of the Public Official Election Act. A person intending to become a candidate must resign from their position at least 90 days before the election day. This applies not only to public officials but also to private school teachers and journalists.

For the 22nd general election to be held on April 10 next year, the deadline is January 11. If you intend to run in the general election, you must resign from your current position by this date without fail. This applies equally to senior officials in the Presidential Office, government ministers and vice ministers, and bureau chiefs. Except for some political appointees, all are subject to this regulation.

The most recent 21st general election had a deadline of January 16, 2020. Ahead of that day, local government officials and central government officials nationwide actually submitted mass resignations. Considering the election preparation period, waiting until the January deadline also carries risks.

The National Assembly plenary session hall. Photo by Hyunmin Kim kimhyun81@

Although they are veterans in administration, the stage of the general election is a space filled with political veterans who have experienced all kinds of battles. Public officials who intend to compete for party nominations against incumbent National Assembly members must retire well before the general election and start solidifying their constituency support.

It sounds easy, but for those who have lived a stable life as public officials for 20 or 30 years, resigning from public office to run for election is not a simple matter. It requires not only their own will but also the support and encouragement of family and those around them.

In fact, there are many cases where the public official's intention to run is clear, but the family strongly opposes it, leading to giving up the candidacy. From the family's perspective, it is natural to feel anxious about choosing to give up a stable life.

Senior public officials have their own reasons for choosing mass resignation ahead of the general election. This includes cases where they are confident of winning even without party nomination or have received assurances of nomination from major parties.

Prime Minister Han Duck-soo and other Cabinet members are performing the national ceremony at the Cabinet meeting held on the morning of August 8 at the Seoul Government Complex. Photo by Jo Yong-jun jun21@

Both ruling and opposition parties put effort into recruiting external candidates ahead of the general election. They tend to look for individuals with less political taint and good credentials, and senior public officials who have been somewhat verified in terms of morality, qualifications, and ability are a preferred occupational group in the recruitment competition.

Public official candidates included in the main recruitment lists of ruling and opposition parties and who become the stars of welcome events upon joining the party have an advantageous position in the nomination competition. When running as candidates in so-called political strongholds, the equation "nomination = election" is often formed.

This fall, ahead of next spring's general election, is the season when the political dreams of senior public officials ripen.

Which public officials will join the ranks of National Assembly members in this general election? Watching who resigns from public office by January 11 next year and challenges Yeouido politics is also an interesting point to observe.