[Exclusive] Gangnam-gu Office Section Chief A Suspended for Misappropriating Event Operation Funds

[Asia Economy Reporter Jongil Park] As the disciplinary laxity among senior officials of Gangnam-gu (District Mayor Jeong Soon-gyun) has reached a serious level, urgent measures are being called for. In 2018, a department head was suspended from duty due to allegations of sexual harassment against a female employee. Last year, the head and team leader of the tax department were suspended for receiving skin care treatments during working hours, drawing criticism. This time, it was revealed through an investigation by the Audit Officer that a department head misused campaign event operation funds for personal purposes, resulting in a refund and suspension from duty as of the 6th.

In response, the Gangnam-gu branch of the Integrated Public Officials Union (Branch Chief Im Seong-cheol) issued a statement on the 7th titled "Thank you for the swift suspension from duty," criticizing the situation. The union stated, "After announcing inappropriate use of business promotion expenses and event operation expenditures on the union bulletin board on the 24th of last month, the suspension order for the department head was implemented only yesterday, crossing into the next month. Although the Audit Officer’s investigation began and the misconduct was acknowledged with a refund, a considerable amount of time passed. We sarcastically thank you for the very swift personnel action."

The union further criticized, "It seems the individual had considerable power and connections to delay the action. If so, one wonders whether the Audit Officer conducted a thorough investigation without suspending the department head."

This misconduct was revealed through employee reports and is known to have been referred to the prosecution for indictment.

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