Taebaek City Introduces 'Substitute Disciplinary Measure System' for Junior Public Officials

For Public Officials with Less Than 5 Years of Service
Focus on Capacity Building Over Punishment

Taebaek City in Gangwon Province (Mayor Lee Sangho) announced on December 18 that, starting from December 15, it has implemented a "substitute disciplinary measure system" for public officials with less than five years of service. Under this system, disciplinary actions such as warnings or cautions for mistakes caused by lack of work experience can be replaced with educational courses or on-site volunteer activities.

Taebaek City Hall exterior. Provided by Taebaek City

This system was introduced to prevent the recurrence of mistakes by supporting education and volunteer activities, rather than simply punishing junior public officials for errors due to lack of work experience.

Previously, when mistakes caused by lack of work experience were identified during audits, disciplinary actions such as warnings were inevitable. However, going forward, if it is determined that improvement is likely, the disciplinary action can be replaced by completing one of the following: at least 16 hours of group education, at least 20 hours of online education, or at least 16 hours of on-site volunteer work.

A Taebaek City official stated, "The substitute disciplinary measure system is designed to help junior public officials adapt quickly and encourage a more proactive approach to their work," adding, "We will continue to operate a flexible audit system that enhances both integrity and administrative efficiency."