[Yoon Seok-yeol Dismissal] Public Officials Union "Must Break the Bad Practice of Cha Gong Je Sa"

On April 4, the Constitutional Court decided to accept the impeachment trial of President Yoon Seok-yeol, and citizens who supported the impeachment held a welcoming performance on Gwanghwamun Street in Seoul. 2025.4.4 Photo by Jo Yong-jun

The Korean Government Employees' Union Federation (Chairperson Seok Hyun-jung, Gongnocho) expressed a welcoming stance on June 4 regarding the Constitutional Court's dismissal of President Yoon Seok-yeol, and issued a statement declaring its commitment to faithfully serve as a 'check and balance mechanism within the public service' together with the people to eradicate the bad practice of 'Chagongjesa (借公濟私).' Chagongjesa refers to the act of handling private matters under the guise of public authority, meaning the abuse of power or using public affairs as a pretext to pursue personal gain or convenience.

In the statement, Gongnocho said, "While we regret that the Constitutional Court did not make a swifter decision to prevent social chaos, we first welcome that the dismissal decision has finally been made, restoring justice in the Republic of Korea." It added, "Starting with this presidential impeachment, we clearly state that those who conspired or supported the martial law plot that shook the foundation of the Republic of Korea and violated procedural justice must be thoroughly investigated and held accountable." It continued, "We have already experienced the impeachment of the head of the executive branch, the president, twice in the past ten years," emphasizing, "This is not a political issue between conservatives and progressives, but a point to note that there have been multiple instances where public officials violated the Constitution or laws in the execution of their duties."

Gongnocho also stated, "Not only the president, but within the public service, there are many cases where the bad practice of 'abuse of power' has taken root unconsciously. Elected public officials who have been chosen through elections sometimes intervene private interests in state affairs meant for the people and repeatedly abuse the authority granted by the people for personal gain, later facing legal judgment after their term ends." It added, "This is a time for deep reflection on where the 'authority' granted through 'elections' originates, for whom, and how it should be exercised."