The National Election Commission (NEC) of South Korea is in the process of canceling the appointments of 10 individuals, including the children of high-ranking officials, who are under suspicion for preferential hiring. On the 8th, the NEC stated, “The audit report on personnel management practices by the Board of Audit and Inspection, released last February, did not request disciplinary action against the children of high-ranking officials. However, after conducting its own investigation and legal review, the NEC is proceeding with the necessary steps to cancel their appointments.”
The NEC has already suspended 11 individuals, including the children, nephews, and sons-in-law of senior officials implicated in preferential hiring, and has requested a police investigation on charges including violations of the National Public Service Act.
The NEC has begun hearing procedures by sending notice last week to the 10 staff members involved, requesting their attendance to hear their perspectives. One individual has already been dismissed.
Furthermore, of the 18 people implicated in hiring irregularities and recommended for disciplinary measures by the Board of Audit and Inspection, the NEC has disciplined 16 individuals. At the end of last month, during a disciplinary committee meeting, six individuals faced severe disciplinary actions such as dismissal and suspension, whereas 10 received lighter penalties like salary reductions and reprimands. Disciplinary actions for the remaining two individuals will be re-evaluated in future meetings.
An NEC official stated, “With the commencement of appointment cancellation procedures, we will strive to regain public trust and transform into an institution that meets public expectations.”
In May 2023, amid suspicions of preferential career hiring for the children of senior officials, the NEC conducted a special audit, leading to an investigation request for four individuals, including the former Secretary-General and Deputy Secretary-General. Last month, they additionally requested investigations into four senior officials, including a former standing member of a regional election commission, on possible violations related to exerting undue influence in the career hiring process of their children.