KCTU Urges Truth Investigation and Official Recognition of Death in Duty for Rights Commission Executive

The Korean Government Employees' Union Federation (Chairperson Seok Hyun-jung, hereinafter referred to as KGEUF) issued a statement on the 13th expressing condolences to the senior official of the Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission who passed away after handling the recent 'Kim Geon-hee Lady Luxury Bag Acceptance Suspicion Case,' and urged a thorough investigation into the circumstances of the death and prompt recognition of the death in the line of duty.

In the statement, KGEUF said, "It is known that the deceased had expressed stress and work burden due to an environment where anti-corruption duties could not be carried out according to their convictions while leading the investigation into the luxury bag acceptance suspicion involving Kim Geon-hee Lady," and "we extend our deepest condolences to the bereaved family and hope that a thorough investigation into the tragic death will be conducted and that the deceased’s honor will be restored as soon as possible through prompt recognition of death in the line of duty."

KGEUF further stated, "The disposition by the Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission, which effectively granted impunity to the presidential couple, has denied over 20 years of dedicated service by an ordinary public official who took pride in building a clean Korea in an instant." They criticized, "Appointed senior officials, including agency heads who should protect affiliated public officials from external pressure so that government employees can work with integrity according to laws and principles, are instead preoccupied with appeasing the regime and political interests."

KGEUF particularly noted, "The former Marine Corps investigation team leader, who investigated and transferred the Marine Chae Sang-byeong death in the line of duty case according to principles, is currently on trial for insubordination and defamation of a superior, and the head of the criminal division investigating customs officers involved in drug smuggling reported related parties to the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials, citing 'pressure to halt the investigation,'" and questioned, "Is a public service where those who work diligently and according to procedures and principles become the awkward, sharp-edged stones really normal?"

KGEUF added, "Taking the tragic death of the Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission public official as an opportunity, we hope a public service environment will be created where public employees’ sense of mission is not misinterpreted as anti-organizational behavior and where they can work with pride," and "KGEUF will continue to watch over the creation of a public service where government employees can work with pride and a clean public service where corruption cannot take root."