Kim Bu-gyeom: "Public Officials' Conflict of Interest Act Sends Strong Signal to Enhance Public Trust"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Sejong=Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyunjung] Kim Boo-kyum, the nominee for Prime Minister, evaluated the Public Officials Conflict of Interest Act, which passed the National Assembly after 8 years since its proposal, as "a strong signal that public officials must engage in actions and behaviors that enhance the trust of the people."

On the morning of the 30th, on his way to work at the Financial Supervisory Service Training Institute in Jongno-gu, Seoul, Kim told reporters, "It should be seen as meaning that not only public officials but also various parties regulated by the law must make Korean society transparent." The Public Officials Conflict of Interest Act, which passed the National Assembly the day before, primarily aims to prevent public officials from using information acquired through their duties for private gain. Violations can result in imprisonment of up to 7 years or fines up to 70 million won.

Regarding plans to conduct a general environmental impact assessment for the permanent deployment of THAAD, marking four years since its temporary deployment, he said, "There are various controversies surrounding this issue," and added, "I will make sure to address any sense of damage felt by local residents and the promises of support made to them once I complete all procedures and take office."

He refrained from commenting on sensitive issues such as the agenda for the Korea-US summit and Gyeonggi Province Governor Lee Jae-myung's remarks on basic income. When asked about the agenda to be discussed at the summit, he said, "I have not even been inaugurated as Prime Minister yet, so it would be inappropriate to speak carelessly," and only stated, "It will be a meaningful meeting of leaders regarding various issues, and I believe many things will be coordinated."

Regarding Governor Lee's remarks emphasizing basic income as a core economic policy in the era of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, Kim explained, "There needs to be much more discussion to speak briefly," and added, "Whether it is basic income or a nationwide employment insurance system, it is time to consider the vulnerable welfare and social assistance systems that were revealed due to COVID-19." He also added, "It is time to start open discussions so that the public can be informed about such matters."

On his willingness to meet victims of the Lime Fund scandal, he said, "It is at the level of addressing a major social grievance," but drew a line by saying, "They say I received special favors, but I cannot understand what that means." He stated, "My son-in-law and daughter, who invested in the Lime Fund, are also in a loss if I put it simply," and added, "If they misunderstand and treat me as a stakeholder asking me to resolve their issues, that is not acceptable."

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