High-ranking Sejong City Official Mr. A Reported to Audit Committee for Power Abuse Against Subordinate

Why Did He Abuse His Authority Toward Junior Public Officials?

Kang Sunwoo, the nominee for Minister of Gender Equality and Family, ultimately resigned from her candidacy on July 23, citing various allegations of power abuse. During Kang's confirmation hearing, numerous accusations of abusive conduct were raised, providing an opportunity to examine another side of her character. Some argue that the controversy itself was shocking.

While the issue of power abuse raised during the confirmation hearing continues to make headlines nationwide, controversy has arisen over allegations that a high-ranking official in Sejong City, referred to as Mr. A, has repeatedly engaged in abusive behavior toward subordinates.

In particular, according to an investigation by , it was confirmed that a subordinate, unable to tolerate the abusive conduct any longer, reported Mr. A to the audit committee for workplace power abuse. As a result, Mr. A has been under investigation by the audit committee.

According to experts, workplace power abuse can take many forms. These include verbal abuse, such as using insulting language or making hurtful remarks that damage a person's self-esteem; work-related abuse, such as making unreasonable demands, giving unfair instructions, or assigning burdensome tasks to harass an employee; and social abuse, which involves using personal information or issues outside of work to pressure an employee.

Power abuse is often more severe within government organizations. Because these organizations have a clear hierarchy and a culture of strict obedience to superiors, it is more difficult to identify abusive behavior compared to ordinary workplaces.

Therefore, the fact that the whistleblower ultimately chose to report to the audit committee suggests that the individual could no longer endure the abusive conduct of the high-ranking official, Mr. A, and felt compelled to take this course of action.