The article discusses the recent decision by the South Korean government to conduct a comprehensive and special inspection of public service discipline across all central administrative agencies by the end of the year. This decision was made during the first meeting of auditors from central administrative agencies since the launch of the Lee Jae-myung administration, presided over by Yoon Chang-ryul, the head of the Prime Minister’s Office.
The meeting addressed the current state of public service, noting that the initial tension characteristic of a new administration has somewhat diminished, leading to some complacency among civil servants. The article references specific incidents, such as inadequate responses to heavy rain and the Cambodia kidnapping case, as examples where a lack of responsibility among officials could have contributed to preventable incidents.
The government intends to bolster public service discipline by tightening surveillance over major governmental tasks and projects to ensure their swift execution. It aims to prevent laxity and inactive behaviors through strict measures and proactive checks in areas closely related to citizen welfare, such as energy, transportation, communication, and public IT services. Furthermore, it plans to enhance safety management of hazardous materials and facilities used by the public to protect citizens from natural disasters and accidents.
The government also plans to promote an active work culture among civil servants. This includes avoiding punishment for minor mistakes made in the course of diligent work and recognizing initiatives that demonstrate an active approach to administration. There is also a firm stance against workplace misconduct such as bullying or sexual misconduct, with plans to eradicate corruption and enforce strict disciplinary standards for public servants.
The nationwide inspection, active from October 22 to December 31, will be led by the Office for Government Policy Coordination, with the Ministry of the Interior and Safety overseeing the initiative’s dissemination to local governments. This effort aims to reinforce a culture of integrity and dedication within the public service across South Korea.