'Key Yoon Administration Figure' Yoo Byeongho Causes Stir at Audit Board Chief's Retirement by Playing 'The World Is a Madhouse' and Shouting 'Soulless People'

Incident Occurred During Photo Session After Chairman Choi Jaehae's Retirement Ceremony
Auditor Yoo Byeongho Has Criticized the "Board of Audit and Inspection Reform Task Force"
Yoo Appears to Have Openly Expressed Discontent Toward Chairman Choi

Yoo Byeongho, an auditor who was considered a key figure at the Board of Audit and Inspection under the Yoon Suk Yeol administration (and former Secretary General), sparked controversy by causing a commotion at the retirement ceremony of Chairman Choi Jaehae. He played the song "The World Is a Madhouse" and shouted, "Soulless people," drawing attention. Yoo, who has previously criticized the "Board of Audit and Inspection Reform Task Force" that reviews audit processes during the Yoon administration, appeared to openly express his dissatisfaction on the occasion of Chairman Choi's retirement ceremony.

Auditor Byeongho Yoo is attending the National Assembly's inspection of the Board of Audit and Inspection held by the Legislation and Judiciary Committee on the 15th. Photo by Hyunmin Kim kimhyun81@

On the morning of November 11, a closed-door retirement ceremony for Chairman Choi was held at the Board of Audit and Inspection in Jongno-gu, Seoul. Having completed his four-year term, Chairman Choi stated, "I have deliberated carefully and made every effort to uphold the independence and principles of the Board of Audit and Inspection, facing external pressures at the forefront," adding, "I have no regrets."

The commotion occurred immediately after the ceremony during the group photo session. According to attendees, Auditor Yoo played the old popular song "The World Is a Madhouse" on his mobile phone and said, "Soulless people."

Some interpret this incident as Auditor Yoo targeting Chairman Choi, who approved the operation of the task force reviewing audit activities related to the Yoon administration. Yoo has argued that "the basis, procedures, and activities of the task force are all illegal."

Auditor Yoo also led major audits under the Yoon Suk Yeol administration, including an investigation into the early closure of Wolseong Nuclear Power Plant Unit 1, a policy of the Moon Jae-in administration, which revealed manipulation of economic feasibility data by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy.

Meanwhile, following Chairman Choi's retirement, Kim Inhoe, another auditor, will serve as acting chairman for the time being. Since Kim's term is also set to expire in December, President Lee Jaemyung is expected to expedite the appointment of a new chairman. Former auditor Yoo Heesang and special prosecutor Cho Eunseok are among the candidates mentioned for the position.