On August 27, the Gyeongnam Regional Headquarters of the National Government Employees' Union held a press conference at the Gyeongnam Provincial Government Press Center, exposing the 'gapjil' misconduct of a senior public official in Sancheong County and urging severe disciplinary action.
The Gyeongnam Branch of the Public Officials Union stated that on July 3, a report was received saying, "It is difficult because of the town chief," and the same content was posted on the union's bulletin board on July 7.
In response, the Sancheong County Public Officials Union launched an investigation and confirmed that more than three employees had suffered harm between July and August.
The National Government Employees' Union Gyeongnam Regional Headquarters is exposing the 'gapjil' misconduct of a senior public official in Sancheong County and urging for severe disciplinary action. Photo by Lee Seryoung
According to the union, the senior public official in question was the chief of Sancheong-eup, who humiliated employees in front of all staff by saying, "You are truly incompetent," and repeatedly made remarks that insulted their character in front of county staff and civil petitioners.
Additionally, it was reported that the official demanded that female employees entertain office guests, made abusive remarks such as "I will destroy you when I come to work," insulted families, and pressured employees to resign or transfer.
After receiving the union's report, Sancheong County relieved the town chief of his duties and placed him on standby within a day.
Subsequently, the county submitted the case to the Gyeongsangnam-do Personnel Committee, characterizing it as a "minor conflict" and requested only light disciplinary actions such as a warning or salary reduction.
Gyupil Lee, head of the Sancheong branch of the National Public Officials Union in Gyeongnam, is explaining the situation of victims related to the "gapjil" by senior public officials in Sancheong County. Photo by Seryeong Lee
The union strongly criticized this, stating, "This is a serious act of abusing power in the workplace and undermining the integrity of the public sector," and added, "Sancheong County's response could be seen as not protecting the victims, but rather defending the perpetrator and condoning the misconduct."
The union also called on Gyeongnam Province to conduct an independent reinvestigation through the Audit Committee.
They demanded that Sancheong County halt the process of requesting light disciplinary action, conduct a reinvestigation, and submit additional disciplinary materials to impose severe disciplinary measures.
The union also appealed to Gyeongnam Province and other local governments to conduct a survey on workplace bullying in the public sector and establish countermeasures accordingly.
For Sancheong County, the union demanded measures to prevent secondary harm and recurrence for victims, provide psychological counseling and paid leave, and implement protective measures for the victims.
Gyupil Lee, head of the Sancheong branch, explained, "We believe there may still be undisclosed victims, so we are publicly collecting cases of gapjil, but everyone is reluctant to come forward." He added, "One of the confirmed victims is receiving medical treatment, and the level of fear among the victims is extremely high."
He continued, "I remember a union member saying that because they are constantly being scolded, instead of worrying about whether their work is right or wrong, they worry about whether they will be scolded or not." He added, "I hope Gyeongnam Province will reinvestigate and impose severe disciplinary action on the town chief."
Kang Sudong, head of the National Public Officials Union Gyeongnam Branch, is exposing the 'gapjil' behavior of a senior public official in Sancheong County. Photo by Lee Seryung
Sudong Kang, head of the Gyeongnam headquarters, pointed out, "The Labor Standards Act stipulates that strict and firm disciplinary action must be taken after hearing the victim's opinion, but Sancheong County demanded light disciplinary action based on a poor investigation," and criticized it as "merely a slap on the wrist, a lenient response, and an attempt to avoid responsibility."
He further emphasized, "It is said that the perpetrator is mobilizing former village heads from his previous workplace to collect petitions for leniency. Sancheong County should withdraw its request for light disciplinary action and immediately conduct a reinvestigation through an organization with fairness, expertise, and neutrality."
The union stated, "A zero-tolerance policy for gapjil in the public sector must be established," and warned, "If this case is settled with only light disciplinary action, we will launch a full-scale protest against the governor of Sancheong County and Gyeongnam Province together with local civic groups."
Previously, on August 26, Seunghwa Lee, the governor of Sancheong County, issued an apology to county employees regarding this matter.
Governor Lee stated, "It should never have happened that anyone suffered emotional distress due to the unfair actions and words of a superior. As county governor, I deeply apologize for failing to prevent this. I will take the lead in ensuring that such incidents never happen again. The name 'gapjil' will never be permitted to stain your hard work."
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