[Reporter’s Notebook] Lax Discipline in Public Enterprises Amid the COVID-19 Crisis

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Bo-kyung] "No one knows what time I come in. No one checks. You don't have to come at the set time."

On March 6, a report was submitted to the audit office through the anonymous reporting system 'Red Whistle' of Korea Midland Power, which was implementing a flexible working system. The report stated that when employee A was pointed out for poor attendance, such as being more than 30 minutes late compared to the designated start time, A made the above statement. A rarely filled out the outing log when leaving the office, and on one occasion, used the excuse of a hospital visit to have the manager sign on their behalf and did not return. Based on the report, the audit office investigated the discipline and attendance management status and recommended disciplinary action against A.

The disciplinary negligence of public enterprise employees detected in internal audits does not stop there. There was also a case where an employee came to work despite being suspected of close contact with a COVID-19 infected person. Employee B of Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power did not work from home and came to the office until their child, who had returned from overseas in April, was diagnosed with COVID-19. B was given a warning for violating KHNP's regulation requiring work-from-home until the infection status of the suspected person (child) was confirmed.

There was also a case where an employee withheld a 100 million won deposit for a company-provided residence for over two years. In June 2016, employee C of KHNP signed a lease contract for an apartment near the company as a joint tenant with the company, but after the lease period ended, C received 100 million won from the landlord and has not returned it to the company since. Employee D of Korea National Oil Corporation, who was dispatched to an overseas branch, was recently dismissed by the personnel committee for fraudulently claiming lodging expenses. D submitted receipts with false lodging periods and fees and even forged official documents.

We have faced an unprecedented 'big government' due to the COVID-19 crisis. The strong administrative power and control of the central government are affecting the economy and society as a whole. Public institutions that practically carry out ministry tasks are also growing larger day by day. This year, the number of employees in public institutions is 420,000, with 150,000 in public enterprises, the highest ever. In 'Mokminsimseo' by Dasan Jeong Yak-yong, which introduces public service ethics, it is said, "In performing all public duties, one must cut off selfish desires and strive to follow the principles of heaven." As the government demands mature civic consciousness to overcome COVID-19, it is time to apply stricter standards to public officials and strengthen ethical awareness to enhance public trust.

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