Disciplinary Standards Established for Strict Action Against Officials Committing Stalking and Digital Sex Crimes

Legislative Notice for the Revised Disciplinary Rules for Local Government Officials

Separate disciplinary standards will be established to allow for disciplinary action against local government officials who commit stalking-related misconduct or digital sex crimes.

The Ministry of the Interior and Safety announced on October 1 that it will pre-announce legislation for a revision to the "Disciplinary Rules for Local Government Officials," which contains these provisions, from October 2 to November 11.

First, new disciplinary standards will be introduced for stalking and digital sex crimes, such as deepfake creation and the distribution of obscene material, which have recently become major social issues. According to the revision, both stalking-related misconduct and digital sex crimes will result in at least a salary reduction. If the act is intentional, the official may face the most severe disciplinary actions, including dismissal or removal from office.

In addition, new disciplinary standards will be established for those who swap drivers in drunk driving cases or encourage drunk driving. This includes: ▲ asking someone else to pose as the driver to avoid a drunk driving checkpoint (concealment instigation); ▲ making a false statement claiming to have driven instead of the actual drunk driver (concealment); and ▲ handing over car keys or encouraging someone to drive while knowing they are intoxicated (abetment).

In such cases, at least a salary reduction will be imposed, and concealment instigation will be subject to harsher penalties.

The revision can be found in the official gazette and on the blogs of the Ministry of Government Legislation and the Ministry of the Interior and Safety. During the pre-announcement period, opinions on the revision can be submitted by regular mail, email, or fax.

Kim Minjae, Vice Minister of the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, stated, "Serious misconduct that causes public distrust in the civil service and creates major social controversy will be strictly disciplined," adding, "We will continue to identify and implement institutional improvements to ensure strict disciplinary management of local government officials."