Abuse of Authority and Obstruction of Official Duties Alleged
Gyeonggi Southern Provincial Police Launch Investigation
Suspicion of Favoritism Involving Families of High-Ranking Officials
11 Individuals Excluded from Duties and Subject to Further Inquiry
The National Election Commission (NEC) announced on the 7th that it has requested an investigation by the police into 11 individuals, including children of high-ranking executives, who are suspected of preferential hiring.
On the same day, the NEC stated in a press release, "We have requested an investigation by the Gyeonggi Southern Provincial Police Agency into 11 individuals involved in a preferential controversy during the hiring process of transferring local government officials to regional election commission officials, on charges of abuse of authority, obstruction of official duties by deception, and violation of the National Public Service Act."
According to the NEC, these individuals are suspected of being hired through recommendations from high-ranking NEC officials such as fathers, uncles, and fathers-in-law. Initially, the NEC excluded 10 people from their duties following an audit by the Board of Audit and Inspection, but during an internal investigation, one more person was identified, bringing the total to 11 individuals who have been excluded from their duties and referred for investigation.
The NEC plans to conduct a separate investigation to determine whether these 11 individuals are subject to appointment cancellation. However, controversy escalated as these individuals continued to work normally even after the hiring corruption allegations surfaced. The NEC explained that normal work continued because the Board of Audit and Inspection did not directly request disciplinary action, but after public criticism intensified, they took measures to exclude them from their duties.
In the political sphere, voices are growing that disciplinary procedures for dismissal, rather than simple exclusion from duties, are necessary. Kim Yong-bin, Secretary General of the NEC, stated at a National Assembly Administration and Security Committee meeting, "Since the cancellation of appointments must be reviewed according to legal procedures, we first took measures to exclude them from their duties," adding, "It is desirable for the individuals involved to take responsibility and resolve the issue themselves for the sake of the organization."
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