Uiryeong County Launches Integrity Defense Team to Eradicate Corruption and Promote a Culture of Integrity

Personal Integrity and Corruption Risk Survey Conducted for 140 Team Leaders

Uiryeong County in Gyeongnam launched the 'Integrity Defense Team' on the 13th, with County Governor Oh Taewan and senior officials taking the lead to eradicate corruption and set an example for spreading a culture of integrity.

The term 'Defense Team' is derived from the initials of 'Headquarters for Establishing Countermeasures.' On the 9th, the county held a 'Integrity Defense Team' meeting presided over by Governor Oh to discuss vulnerable areas to corruption and to derive improvement measures.

Uiryeong County Integrity Defense Corps Launch.
[Image provided by Uiryeong County]

In particular, the meeting included an analysis of the corruption risk and individual integrity assessment results for grade 6 team leaders over the past year. The county formed an internal evaluation team of junior officials to assess the corruption risk of all 140 grade 6 team leaders responsible for frontline duties in each department.

The survey found that the average integrity score for Uiryeong County's grade 6 officials was 9.6 out of 10, indicating a favorable level. Most survey items, such as unfair gains, abuse of power, and personal business, were marked as 'not applicable.' However, some responses indicated 'avoidance or shifting of work responsibilities,' highlighting the need for improvement.

Uiryeong County Integrity Defense Corps Launch.
[Image provided by Uiryeong County]

The county also moved swiftly to devise measures to improve 'external integrity,' which received lower scores compared to 'efforts for integrity.' 'Eradicating customary practices' was presented as the solution. The argument to preemptively block corrupt acts by eliminating frequent 'event sponsorships' at town and local festivals gained traction in the community.

Last year, the county drew significant attention by promoting integrity through creative ideas such as role-plays, parodies, and idiom contests. This year, plans are in place for a 'Sharing Integrity Water' campaign and a county-wide integrity quiz event, launching a 'public integrity promotion campaign.' The 'Our Integrity Broadcast,' recorded by officials and played every Friday at 5:50 PM on the county hall speakers, will feature a 'bold programming' where residents themselves act as DJs to host the integrity broadcast.

Governor Oh Taewan emphasized, "To create an integrity-driven Uiryeong, not only must senior officials set an example, but all employees must work together," and urged, "Let us create a refreshing wind of integrity in Uiryeong that overcomes the heat of corruption and bad practices."