[Yongsan Report] "Renewing the Atmosphere Starts from Within" Yongsan Tightens Public Service Discipline

"Banju Disappears and Quick Return After Lunch"
Minjeong Chief's Office "Be Especially Careful of Sexual and Alcohol Misconduct"

"The practice of having a drink with lunch (反酒, alcohol consumed while eating) has long disappeared."

The Presidential Office has launched a campaign to "tighten public service discipline" ahead of the Chuseok holiday. Kim Juhyun, Senior Secretary for Civil Affairs at the Presidential Office, earnestly urged all staff to "be especially cautious about sexual misconduct and drinking-related misconduct." The Civil Affairs Office announced internally the day before that "to raise awareness and call for attention regarding lax discipline, a 'special inspection period' will be operated until the 20th of this month." They also stated that for any detected misconduct, not only the perpetrator but also the head of the relevant department will be held accountable, and a zero-tolerance, strict disciplinary approach will be enforced.

As the Yoon Suk-yeol administration enters its third year, the Presidential Office has been tightening the atmosphere for months, wary of any laxity in public service discipline. In particular, after 1 p.m., the number of aides checking the time has noticeably increased. Driven by an obsession to return to the Presidential Office by 1:30 p.m., they frequently check the time, and the sight of aides hurriedly coming back on time has become a familiar scene. One aide confided, "Previously, to foster camaraderie, we used to have a beer or so as a drink, but recently, everyone avoids it."

There is also analysis that the Presidential Office’s call for public service discipline was triggered by the issue of Senior Administrative Officer Kang, who was caught by police for drunk driving three months ago. The Central Disciplinary Committee of the Ministry of Personnel Management confirmed a two-month suspension penalty for Officer Kang and notified the Presidential Office the day before; the disciplinary order takes effect today. Officer Kang was caught by police for drunk driving around 9:50 p.m. in the Yongsan-gu area of Seoul last June, but the Presidential Office only placed him on standby about 40 days later last month, sparking controversy over a 'delayed response.'

A ruling party official said, "The case of Officer Kang sparked criticism of 'protecting one’s own,' leading to widespread internal and external backlash," adding, "The recent emphasis on public service discipline by the Presidential Office is likely intended to dispel such concerns."