Ministry of Science and ICT Issues Public Warning for 'Discipline Laxity' Again After 3 Months

Minister Im Hye-sook Sends Letter to Over 33,700 Employees of Affiliated and Subordinate Agencies on the 30th Emphasizing Public Service Discipline
Recent Cases of Misconduct and Lax Discipline Including KAIST Professor Sexual Harassment
Only Three Months Since Integrity Pledge Rally on March 15

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Bong-su] The Ministry of Science and ICT has once again warned its employees about 'lax discipline' after three months, drawing attention.

According to the Ministry of Science and ICT, Minister Lim Hye-sook sent a letter on the 30th to approximately 33,700 employees and staff of affiliated organizations, emphasizing ▲ vigilance against corruption and misconduct ▲ eradication of power harassment culture ▲ establishment of public service discipline, while urging integrity and fairness.

In the letter, Minister Lim stated, "The public’s view of the public service society must be taken more seriously than ever. We must strive to spread a culture of integrity and establish an organizational culture of mutual respect, setting an example in the public sector," adding, "When public officials establish the right attitude and uphold fundamental values, public trust in the public service society will increase."

The Ministry of Science and ICT recently faced complaints that small and medium-sized enterprises were harmed due to the retroactive application of the 'Fund Project Management Guidelines.' Additionally, at the affiliated institution Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), a professor was suspended from duty after sexually harassing an acquaintance on the street, and corruption was uncovered in the recruitment of specialized research personnel receiving military service exemptions, highlighting serious issues of lax discipline.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Science and ICT held an 'Integrity Pledge Rally' on March 15, three months ago, to warn against repeated misconduct by its own employees and affiliated institutions. At that time, all employees of the Ministry, including Minister Choi Ki-young, held the rally and pledged ▲ eradication of improper solicitations ▲ prohibition of accepting money or gifts ▲ fair performance of duties, essentially the same content as the current letter issued under Minister Lim’s name.

Regarding this, the Ministry’s Audit Office explained, "We plan to continuously implement various anti-corruption and integrity policies such as integrity education, establishment of an organizational culture of mutual respect, and inspection of public service discipline during corruption-prone periods," adding, "This letter is a routine anti-corruption activity conducted ahead of the summer vacation."

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