[Gwanga in] 'Cheer up, Ministry of Economy and Finance' Anonymous Donor Prepaid at Sejong Government Complex Cafe

Voices Raised Over Heavy Workload at Ministry of Economy and Finance
Anonymous Donor Makes Prepayment to Show Support
Ministry Employee: "First Case... Grateful Heart"

Since last month's martial law incident and the subsequent impeachment political turmoil, employees of the Ministry of Economy and Finance have been expressing difficulties due to excessive workloads. Amid this, a donor who prepaid at a cafe mainly used by Ministry of Economy and Finance employees to support them has attracted attention.

On the afternoon of the 2nd, an A4 paper with the phrase 'Cheer up, Ministry of Economy and Finance!!' was posted on the glass door at the entrance of the cafe on the first floor of the Civil Service Building in the Central Wing of the Government Sejong Complex. This phrase was left by an anonymous donor who prepaid for drinks for Ministry of Economy and Finance employees. The Central Wing is divided into the Office Wing and the Civil Service Wing, with Ministry of Economy and Finance employees working in the Office Wing. The Civil Service Wing, connected to this area, houses cafes and restaurants.

The cafe staff refused to disclose the identity of the donor when asked by reporters. Instead, the staff explained, "The donor prepaid this morning (the 2nd)" and "We posted the notice so that many Ministry of Economy and Finance employees could be aware of it." The prepaid amount is known to be 1.6 million KRW.

Upon hearing the news of the prepayment, Ministry of Economy and Finance employees who visited the cafe in small groups showed unfamiliar reactions, asking, "Do we just need to write down our names?" but they wore bright expressions. Employee A, who visited the cafe before working overtime after dinner, said, "I have been working since the Ministry of Economy and Finance was located at the Government Gwacheon Complex, but this is the first time something like this has happened," adding, "I feel encouraged and grateful for the donor's support."

On the 2nd, a notice regarding prepayment was posted on the glass door at the entrance of the cafe (Pascucci) on the first floor of the Central Building, Government Complex Sejong. Photo by Kim Pyeonghwa

Within government circles, there is an interpretation that such donation-based support appeared as difficulties in government ministries increased following last month's martial law incident and the impeachment political turmoil. There is also speculation that the donor might be someone related to the Ministry of Economy and Finance. In the Ministry of Economy and Finance, with Choi Sang-mok, the Acting Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance, also serving as the head of the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters, holding four roles simultaneously, many employees have voiced difficulties due to various work confusions and excessive workloads.

Under the condition of anonymity, Ministry of Economy and Finance official B said, "Morale has dropped significantly, but because there are many external affairs, it tends to be overlooked," adding, "some say that when the next administration changes the ministry, they will look for an opportunity to leave." Ministry of Economy and Finance manager C said that to boost employee morale, "We are being careful not to give unnecessary work orders to officials."

Acting Prime Minister Choi reiterated the role of public officials at the government’s opening ceremony. Choi stated, "The role of public officials is very important, especially when the country is facing difficulties." He added, "I earnestly ask each public official to have a sense of mission that they are at the center of state affairs and to dedicate themselves to the country and the people."