State-Run Financial Institutions Paid Over 1.2 Billion Won in Performance Bonuses to Disciplined Employees Over Five Years [2025 National Audit]

Industrial Bank of Korea Paid the Most at 1,143,610,000 Won
Types of Disciplinary Actions Included Sexual Misconduct, Drunk Driving, and Bribery

Over the past five years, the total amount of performance bonuses paid to employees of state-run financial institutions who were subject to disciplinary action has exceeded 1.2 billion won.

According to data submitted by Assemblyman Kim Jaeseop of the People Power Party, a member of the National Assembly’s Political Affairs Committee, from five financial institutions under his oversight (Industrial Bank of Korea, Korea Asset Management Corporation, Korea Housing Finance Corporation, Korea Inclusive Finance Agency, and Korea Development Bank), a total of 1,256,470,000 won in performance bonuses was paid to 204 employees who received finalized disciplinary action from 2020 to this year.

The reasons for disciplinary action included serious violations such as sexual misconduct, drunk driving, bribery, and workplace harassment, which resulted in suspensions or dismissals.

Assemblyman Kim Jaeseop questioning at the standing committee. Office of Assemblyman Kim Jaeseop

The institution that paid the largest amount of performance bonuses to disciplined employees was Industrial Bank of Korea. Over the past five years, Industrial Bank of Korea paid a total of 1,143,610,000 won in performance bonuses to disciplined employees. For example, an employee who was suspended for drunk driving received a performance bonus of 10,120,000 won, and an employee who was demoted for embezzlement received 10,070,000 won. In total, 168 disciplined employees continued to receive financial benefits.

This was followed by Korea Housing Finance Corporation with 55,720,000 won, Korea Asset Management Corporation with 29,070,000 won, Korea Inclusive Finance Agency with 18,090,000 won, and Korea Development Bank with 9,960,000 won. At Korea Housing Finance Corporation, an employee who was suspended for sexual misconduct received 14,600,000 won, while at Korea Asset Management Corporation, an employee who was reprimanded for workplace harassment received 4,980,000 won.

Assemblyman Kim Jaeseop stated, "The mere fact that an institution with public responsibilities maintained and paid performance bonuses to employees with finalized disciplinary action has already undermined public trust." He further pointed out, "While demanding accountability from borrowers and taxpayers, leaving financial benefits for those involved in misconduct internally is a clear breakdown of discipline and a betrayal of the public."