"Report Cards for Supervisors" by Ministry Employees: Park Jihong and Nine Others Named Exemplary Leaders

Former Spokesperson Park Jihong Receives Highest Score
List of "Managers in Need of Improvement" Also Submitted to Minister and Vice Minister

Employees of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport directly evaluated their supervisors and selected ten "leaders they want to work with." Now in its 13th year, this system not only highlights exemplary cases but also compiles a list of "managers in need of improvement," which is submitted to the Minister and Vice Minister.

The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport Government Employees' Union announced the results of the "2025 Exemplary Leaders" selection on January 20. Approximately 2,750 people-including public officials, contract workers, and dispatched employees-participated in the survey conducted from December 22 of last year to January 9. The participation rate exceeded 60%. The evaluation covered 72 individuals, including directors of departments and bureaus at headquarters, as well as heads of first- and second-level affiliated organizations.

Ten exemplary leaders directly selected by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport employees. Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport Public Officials Labor Union

At headquarters, former spokesperson Park Jihong received the highest evaluation, being selected for the third consecutive year since 2023. On a seven-point scale, Park received high marks, with over 80% of eligible respondents participating. Last October, Park was placed on standby as the head of the public relations team following controversy over a remark made by former First Vice Minister Lee Sangkyung, who said, "If housing prices fall, you can just buy." In the personnel reshuffle in December of the same year, Park was appointed as a standing member of the Metropolitan Area Transportation Committee. Despite having taken political responsibility, Park has been recognized by employees as an exemplary leader for three consecutive years.

Other three-time honorees include Lee Uje, Director General of the Road Bureau; Kim Susang, former standing member of the Metropolitan Area Transportation Committee; and Kim Heonjeong, former Director of Housing Policy (currently spokesperson). Lee Gibong, Director General of Housing Welfare Policy, was selected for the first time. Among affiliated organizations, Kim Younghan, Director of the Seoul Regional Land Management Office; Jeon Hyeongpil, Director of the Busan Regional Land Management Office; Park Junghyun, Director of the Nonsan Land Management Office; Lee Jaeyeon, former Director of the Suncheon Land Management Office; and Cho Gwangyeong, Director of the Yesan Land Management Office, were selected.

The common reasons cited by employees for selection included "a high level of understanding of work and responsible performance," "avoiding unnecessary or excessive instructions," "providing clear direction," "horizontal communication," and "creating a motivating work environment."

The union also plans to compile a separate list of "managers in need of improvement" based on the same survey and submit it to the Minister and Vice Minister. The union explained, "This is not criticism of specific individuals, but rather an effort to improve leadership and normalize the work environment across the organization."

Union leader Jang Unghyun stated, "With the Ministry's recent work report being made public, there is growing interest in overall administration," adding, "It is important to create an environment where employees can focus on their core work without feeling intimidated." He continued, "Going forward, the union will continue to play its role in establishing a culture of responsibility and trust so that the voices of members are naturally reflected in organizational management."