APEC Summit Kicks Off: Civil Servants and Public Institutions Tighten Discipline [Gwangga in]

As the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit kicks off in Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang Province, the government has moved to strengthen discipline among civil servants and public institutions. This measure is interpreted as an effort to prevent internal risks stemming from potential lapses in public service discipline, given that the country's image is directly influenced by the government's ability to manage such events and its credibility abroad.

According to relevant ministries on October 29, the Ministry of Personnel Management recently sent an official notice to all civil servants, urging them to uphold public service discipline in line with President Lee Jaemyung's overseas visit to Malaysia ahead of the APEC Summit. The notice primarily prohibits any actions that could disrupt the smooth execution of work or undermine the dignity and integrity expected of public officials.

Government Complex Sejong City. Photo by Kim Hyunmin

The notice also called for readiness to respond to unexpected disasters and accidents. It emphasized the need to establish clear reporting systems and maintain emergency contact networks to prevent incidents and accidents. Strict access control was also mandated for government complexes and other critical facilities. With key dignitaries from various countries and large crowds expected during the event, the government has determined that security and safety capabilities are of utmost importance.

In particular, the government stressed the importance of adhering to working hours and on-duty shifts for public officials. This emphasis stems from concerns that a breakdown in internal discipline could hinder the effective operation of emergency response systems and lead to work delays or confusion. There are also worries that internal incidents could be exposed externally, potentially disrupting the proceedings of the summit. A government official stated, "There are rumors that the audit office has been strengthened recently," adding, "I understand that particular attention is being paid to civil servants' attendance, lunch breaks, and compliance with working hours."

Major public institutions are especially focused on enhancing internal security. Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power, headquartered in Gyeongju, raised its terror alert level from 'caution' on October 24 to 'alert' on October 28 in connection with the APEC event, thereby tightening access control at its headquarters. This measure not only addresses external security but also serves as a means of reinforcing internal work discipline.

On October 10, Kang Hoonshik, Chief Presidential Secretary, urged all staff at the Presidential Office to "set an example in upholding public service discipline" ahead of the APEC Summit and the National Assembly audit.