Gimhae City Issues Severe Disciplinary Actions to 3 Public Officials Involved in Entertaining Golf... Thorough Investigation Including Referral to Prosecutors

Gyeongnam Gimhae City Hall.

[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Lee Seryeong] On the 30th, Gimhae City in Gyeongnam announced that it will request the Gyeongnam Province to impose severe disciplinary action on three employees involved in entertainment golf and will refer the case to investigative authorities.

According to the city, three city officials (two team leaders and one level 6 staff) are suspected of receiving entertainment worth approximately 1,198,000 KRW per person, including golf course entrance fees, accommodation, meals, and vehicle conveniences, during a golf trip to Jeju Island from November 6 to 8, 2021, with representatives and directors of companies related to their duties.

The three have been under investigation by the Ministry of the Interior and Safety and were reportedly recommended for severe disciplinary action and referral to investigative authorities by the joint inspection team for receiving entertainment.

Following the request for disciplinary action, the city plans to promptly request the Gyeongnam Province to decide on severe disciplinary measures and separately refer the case to investigative authorities.

To prevent recurrence, the city has established and is implementing a strong public service discipline policy, which includes excluding those disciplined for receiving money or entertainment from duties and reporting those involved in corruption to investigative authorities regardless of severity.

From February 22 to March 3, an anti-corruption integrity policy formulation and integrity improvement survey were conducted, and detailed measures to eradicate various unfair orders and power harassment practices are being prepared.

In April, the city plans to provide legal education on anti-corruption and integrity policies and regular training on the Conflict of Interest Prevention Act to all employees.

A city official said, “We deeply apologize to the citizens who are angry and upset over this public official misconduct case,” adding, “We will take strict measures on the detected matters and do our best to ensure clean administration that meets the expectations of the citizens.”

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