Muan-gun Bold Public Official Caught Drunk Driving During Special Inspection Period

Department Staff Gather for Drinks... Public Service Discipline 'Exposed at Rock Bottom'

Exterior view of Muan-gun Office (Photo by Muan-gun)

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Seo Young-seo] As Muan County in Jeonnam is conducting a high-intensity special inspection to establish public service discipline until the 31st, a public official has drawn criticism after being caught driving under the influence.

According to the county on the 28th, Muan County Office employee Mr. A was found to have been driving under the influence the next morning after police responded to a report and discovered him sleeping in his car after drinking on the afternoon of the 22nd.

Mr. A’s blood alcohol level was found to be at the level warranting license suspension. Moreover, the drinking occasion was known to be a gathering among department staff, raising criticism that public service discipline has hit rock bottom during the special inspection period due to the revealed misconduct.

Mr. A explained, “I drank with colleagues after work,” adding, “It was raining heavily at the time, so it was difficult to get a designated driver, and I was tired while driving, so I briefly slept on the roadside.”

Earlier, Muan County had imposed a severe disciplinary action of a one-month pay cut on a female public official who was caught visiting an obesity clinic more than ten times during working hours.

County Governor Kim San stated on the 16th, “Despite the emergency situation caused by COVID-19, the laxity in public officials’ discipline has gone too far,” and added, “If any violations are detected during the special inspection period, we will strictly apply a zero-tolerance policy and take stern measures.”

Meanwhile, last year, 50 Muan County public officials were disciplined, indicating that about 50 officials are disciplined annually in Muan County.

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