‘One Step Behind Execution’ Han Dong-hoon, Abolish the Etiquette Regulations on Correctional Officers' Abuse of Power

1985 Enacted Directive Abolished After 38 Years
Minister Han Dong-hoon Orders "Creating a Flexible Organizational Culture"

The etiquette regulations for correctional officers, which have been in place for over 30 years, have reportedly been abolished under the directive of Minister of Justice Han Dong-hoon.

According to the legal community on the 21st, the Ministry of Justice recently issued an abolition order for the correctional officers' etiquette regulations, which were established in 1985, after 38 years.

The Ministry of Justice stated the reason for abolition was that, contrary to the original purpose of fostering mutual respect between superiors and subordinates, the regulations risk being misused as a "logic that justifies power abuse." It added that such regulations enforce respect, creating a rigid organizational culture, and that "it lacks practicality in reflecting the changed organizational environment demands, including current societal and generational characteristics."

Comprising a total of 3 chapters and 17 articles, the correctional officers' etiquette regulations specified the manners correctional officers must observe in various situations. For example, subordinates were required to attach the honorific suffix ‘nim’ when addressing superiors, and when accompanying a superior, to follow on the superior’s left side or one step behind.

Minister of Justice Han Dong-hoon [Image source=Yonhap News]

Additionally, when a superior responsible for command and supervision visits the workplace, subordinates must salute simultaneously six steps ahead upon the commander's order. It was also specified that when the superior finishes the visit and departs, the salute must continue until the vehicle has completely left the formation.

Handshakes were regulated to be performed only when requested by the superior, with the subordinate stepping forward one step, standing at attention, and extending the right hand. Detailed instructions included not bending the waist or bowing the head, making natural eye contact, and stating one’s position and name in a clear voice.

It is unusual for an official order abolishing regulations to explicitly cite reasons such as "justification of power abuse" and "enforced respect." This is believed to be closely related to Minister Han’s directive behind the abolition. A Ministry of Justice official explained, “Minister Han, who has consistently emphasized improving the treatment of correctional officers, ordered the immediate abolition upon learning the content of the regulations.”

After his inauguration in May last year, Minister Han instructed that the honorific suffix ‘nim’ should not be used when addressing executives including ministers and vice ministers. He also prohibited ceremonial acts such as employees opening and closing the doors of official vehicles during commuting, emphasizing a horizontal organizational culture and eliminating unnecessary formalities.