Former Aide to Chungnam Governor Han Manhyung: "National Assembly Audit Has Become an 'Investigation,' Not an 'Audit'"

"Livelihood Issues Ignored, Local Leaders Cornered"
"The Essence of the National Assembly Audit Must Be Restored"

Manhyung Han, former political secretary to Kim Taeheum, Governor of Chungnam Province

Criticism has been raised that the National Assembly audit has degenerated from a forum for policy review into a stage for political strife.

Manhyung Han, former political secretary to Kim Taeheum, Governor of Chungnam Province, directly criticized on social media on October 30, stating, "The National Assembly has lost the essence of the audit by focusing on 'investigative shows' that corner local government heads."

Han pointed out, "The public wanted a 'policy audit' for their livelihoods, but in reality, there were only scenes of local leaders being interrogated. The National Assembly is not an investigative agency, yet 'investigation' rather than 'audit' has taken over."

He further criticized, "Local issues have been pushed aside, and the audit has been consumed by efforts to shame and undermine local leaders, which only serves to diminish the authority of the National Assembly itself. Audits mired in political strife force local governments into a defensive posture and eliminate opportunities for productive discussion."

He also noted, "When the National Assembly repeats audit matters already concluded by local councils like a 'broken record,' it is a waste of administrative resources and disregards the foundation of local autonomy. Ultimately, all these negative consequences return to the local residents."

Han emphasized, "The public does not want to watch a political show ahead of elections. The National Assembly must restore its original function as a 'policy audit' that truly serves the lives of the people and the future of local communities."