Choi Jae-hyung, Chairman of the Board of Audit and Inspection, "Government Fiscal Spending Increase... Focus on Soundness Audit"

Choi Jae-hyung, Chairman of the Board of Audit and Inspection [Photo by Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Son Sun-hee] Choi Jae-hyung, Chairman of the Board of Audit and Inspection, said on the 19th, "We will focus our capabilities on audits that induce the soundness and efficiency of national finances."

On the same day, Chairman Choi held a press briefing at the Board of Audit and Inspection in Jongno-gu, Seoul, to explain this year's audit operation direction, stating, "As government fiscal expenditures continue to increase, we will check whether factors threatening the soundness of mid- to long-term national finances, social insurance, and public pensions are being properly predicted and managed, and induce the government's proactive response."

He added, "We will also inspect fiscal projects involving large-scale budgets such as welfare projects and job creation projects to eliminate inefficiencies and support improving project performance."

Chairman Choi said, "We will objectively diagnose the outcomes of government policies responding to the low birthrate and aging society, and review government measures to prepare for demographic changes to help minimize the impact of upcoming changes."

He also stated, "We will conduct detailed on-site inspections of top priority tasks related to employment stability, financial support for low-income people, and housing support, and check the safety management status of living infrastructure closely related to citizens' lives, such as healthcare, drinking water, elevators, as well as infrastructure like roads and railways, to create an environment where citizens can live with peace of mind."

The Board of Audit and Inspection supports 'active administration' to revitalize the public sector. Chairman Choi emphasized, "We will further activate the pre-consultation system introduced last year so that public officials can feel the changes. We will hold accountable those who fail to perform duties that must be done and improve unreasonable systems and regulations."

Regarding reports that the audit results on the validity of the early shutdown decision of Wolseong Unit 1 and the breach of trust by Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power directors, requested by the National Assembly last September, will be released within this month, he said, "Since the deadline has already passed, we will announce the results as soon as possible," and dismissed views that it was influenced by the general election, saying, "I absolutely do not see it that way."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.