Suh Samsuk Criticizes Suhyup Bank for Leniency Toward Employee Caught Drunk Driving

Allowed to Return Despite Three Offenses and Imprisonment
"Breakdown of Organizational Discipline... Appropriate Action Needed"

Seosamsuk, Democratic Party of Korea lawmaker.

Suhyup Bank is facing controversy after it was revealed that an employee who had been caught driving under the influence three times and was sentenced to imprisonment was only given a six-month suspension and allowed to return to work.

On October 27, Suh Samsuk, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea (representing Yeongam, Muan, and Shinan in South Jeolla Province), analyzed data submitted by Suhyup Bank regarding 'violations of employee ethical management.' The analysis showed that Employee A was fined and given a suspended sentence for two separate drunk driving offenses in 2008 and 2014. In 2021, upon being caught a third time, Employee A was found to have a blood alcohol concentration of over 0.18% and was sentenced to imprisonment in court.

Employee A received a sentence of one year and two months in prison, suspended for three years, along with 160 hours of community service. However, Suhyup Bank's personnel committee imposed only a six-month suspension, citing that the employee had "already been legally punished," instead of dismissal. After serving the suspension, Employee A returned to a branch and is currently working as usual.

According to Articles 19 and 77 of Suhyup Bank's personnel regulations, dismissal is possible if an employee is sentenced to imprisonment or if two years have not passed since the end of a suspended sentence. Nevertheless, Suhyup Bank took no further personnel action, citing concerns about double punishment.

Assemblyman Suh stated, "Imposing only a six-month suspension on an employee who was caught drunk driving three times is a typical example of lenient disciplinary action," and emphasized, "Even now, Suhyup Bank must promptly take appropriate measures in accordance with its personnel regulations."

He added, "Suhyup must strengthen organizational ethics and discipline, and, as a public financial institution, work to protect the rights of fishermen and restore public trust."