"Executives Known for Shouting and Verbal Abuse"… Jeonnam Provincial Employees Name Their 'Worst' List

Union Conducts '2025 Best and Worst Executives Survey'
Director A Criticized for Excessive Ceremonies and Protocol
Director B Draws Ire for Issuing Work Orders via Messenger on Weekends
Kang Jongcheol and Park Hyunsik Praised for Communication-Focused Leadership
Kim Seunghee and Jeon Changwoo Gain Trust Through Efficient Work Instructions
Yoon Yeonmi and Jang Sunho Recognized for Respectful and Considerate Leadership

Jeonnim Wiretapping Scene

Certain executives at the Jeonnam Provincial Government, known for their consistently overbearing attitude, have been singled out by employees as so-called “unpleasant” executives. Calls for self-reflection on organizational culture are growing louder.

The Jeonnam Provincial Government Workers’ Union conducted the “2025 Best and Worst Executives Survey” among 1,703 union members from November 24 to 28. A total of 915 members participated in the survey, which was carried out via mobile voting, representing 53.7% of all union members.

According to the survey results, two directors, two division heads, and two team leaders were each selected as the best and worst executives. Notably, employees’ attention was particularly focused on those classified as the worst executives.

Director A faced criticism for excessive emphasis on ceremonies and protocol-driven work, as well as for unilateral instructions based on political judgment. There were also repeated reports of disrespectful and verbally abusive behavior toward junior staff.

Director B was cited for not only harsh language, shouting, and verbal abuse, but also for routinely issuing work instructions via messenger outside of regular working hours, including weekends. Additional reasons for being selected as a worst executive included mobilizing employees unfamiliar with a deceased colleague to attend a funeral, and having staff park their private car after business trips.

Division Heads C and D drew resentment from employees due to unfair work orders, excessive demands for protocol, and derogatory remarks. Team Leaders E and F were also criticized for gossiping about team members and frequently raising their voices, which created a tense office atmosphere.

On the other hand, some executives stood out for earning employees’ trust through rational work practices and respectful leadership.

Kang Jongcheol, Director of the Human Resources Development and Education Bureau, received high marks for his leadership centered on consideration and communication, consistently engaging in dialogue with staff. Park Hyunsik, Director of the Agriculture, Livestock and Food Bureau, was praised for actively incorporating the opinions of practitioners and reducing unnecessary work.

Kim Seunghee, Head of the Social Welfare Division, was recognized for promoting work based on respect for employees and minimizing unnecessary protocol. Jeon Changwoo, Head of the Eco-Friendly Fisheries Division, built trust by not shifting work-related stress onto employees and providing efficient instructions within working hours.

Yoon Yeonmi, Team Leader of the Eco-Friendly Fisheries Division, and Jang Sunho, Team Leader of the Health Promotion Division, were also noted for their leadership, which was based on respect and consideration, and for sharing and addressing employees’ concerns.

A Jeonnam Provincial Government official stated, “While the results of this survey cannot be taken as representative of the entire organization, it is not something to be taken lightly, as it reflects the collective perceptions of employees working on the ground.”