Public Institution Executives Holding Concurrent Solar Power Business Positions Face Maximum 'Dismissal' Measures... Additional Disciplinary Actions If Not Processed

The government has decided to take strict measures, including dismissal at the maximum level, against public institution employees who committed dual employment misconduct in solar power projects.

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy held a meeting on the 6th at the Government Sejong Complex with audit department heads from 14 related power organizations, as well as six public institutions (231 people) under the Ministry of Industry that were pointed out in the Board of Audit and Inspection's 'Audit on the Promotion Status of Renewable Energy Projects' announced on the 14th of last month, to discuss follow-up measures after the audit.

First, regarding the Board of Audit and Inspection's findings on improper dual employment in solar power projects by public institution executives and employees, disciplinary actions up to dismissal will be taken against the 231 individuals identified in this audit, depending on the severity of their misconduct. The Ministry plans to finalize the level of disciplinary demands promptly and push for disciplinary resolutions within this year.

It was also discussed to recommend that related organizations dispose of all solar power facilities effectively operated under the names of the individuals concerned or their family members by the first quarter of next year, and to enforce additional disciplinary or compulsory measures if not complied with.

Additionally, to prevent recurrence, dual employment in solar power projects by executives and employees of the 14 public institutions will be fundamentally prohibited going forward, and each institution is to revise related internal regulations by the first quarter of next year to ensure severe disciplinary actions upon detection.

Jeong Gyeong-rok, Director of Renewable Energy Policy, who presided over the meeting, stated, "Swift and strict measures must be taken against those pointed out in the Board of Audit and Inspection's audit results," adding, "To restore public trust, all executives and employees of power-related organizations must make strong efforts to eradicate renewable energy corruption and strengthen ethics."