Nickname Instead of "Director"... Ministry of the Interior and Safety Expands "Free Title Day" from 1 to 3 Days

The Ministry of the Interior and Safety announced on January 22 that it will operate a “Free Title Day” for three days, from January 21 to January 23, targeting the Participation and Innovation Bureau.

On “Free Title Day,” members address each other using self-chosen nicknames or their given names instead of traditional job titles such as director or manager. This initiative aims to ease the rigid, title-centered culture and promote communication based on mutual respect.

During a pilot run conducted for one day on December 30 last year, the initiative received positive feedback such as “refreshing” and “it created a friendly atmosphere.” As a result, the operating period has been extended from one day to three days this time.

The Ministry plans to use this expanded operation to assess the effectiveness and on-site acceptance of the system, and will review follow-up measures to ensure that efforts to improve organizational culture are not just a one-off event.

In addition, the Ministry will also hold a “Role Reversal Discussion” involving both junior and senior public officials.

During the discussion, groups divided by years of service will freely share their opinions on organizational culture, work practices, and internal customs in the public sector. The focus will be on understanding differences in perception rather than evaluating or criticizing specific generations or seniority levels.

Hwang Myungseok, Acting Director of the Participation and Innovation Organization Office, stated, “The purpose of this pilot program is to narrow generational perception gaps and broaden mutual understanding, thereby easing rigid communication practices. We will strive to ensure that a flexible, mutually respectful organizational culture takes root throughout the public sector.”