Jeju International Convention Center Recruitment Corruption Police Investigation Stalled for 1 Year

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Park Chang-won] The investigation into the recruitment corruption at the Jeju International Convention Center, which was transferred to the Seogwipo Police Station by the Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission last May, has been at a standstill for over a year, sparking criticism from the local community regarding delayed investigation and fairness.

The allegations of recruitment corruption at the center, first raised by this newspaper’s report titled “Jeju International Convention Center Experienced Staff Unfair Recruitment ‘Corruption Suspicion’” (June 9, 2021), were transferred from the Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission to the Seogwipo Police Station last May.

Furthermore, even though a recorded transcript containing specific details about the recruitment corruption surfaced, the investigation into the related parties was slow at that time as well.

Attorney Kim Jeong-hee, who comprehensively reviewed the transcript, interpreted it as follows: “The center was aware that the career qualifications of applicant A were problematic, and thinking that if the personnel committee found out about this issue, applicant A would be disqualified, they discussed passing the document screening on the grounds that having similar job experience would be acceptable.”

She also expressed the view that “Despite the flaws in the career requirements being an issue, there were circumstances suggesting an attempt to cover it up, indicating that there was already a plan for preferential recruitment.”

While the investigation at the Seogwipo Police Station has been stalled for over a year, the center has faced comprehensive corruption allegations including illegal private contracts worth over 10 billion won, workplace harassment, illegal receipt of employment retention subsidies, and fraudulent use of corporate cards. These issues were raised during the Jeju Provincial Council’s administrative audit last November, and a special audit by the Jeju Provincial Audit Committee in January this year reportedly uncovered 41 points of concern.

What is more problematic is that while all supervisory and audit agencies have been mobilized to restore normalcy at the center, matters related to recruitment corruption have not been properly supervised or audited on the grounds that they are under investigation.

Center employee C expressed suspicion toward the delayed investigation by the Seogwipo Police Station, saying, “If the recruitment corruption is proven true, wouldn’t it affect the credibility of company I, which was in charge of recruitment on behalf of Jeju Province, making the investigation difficult?”

Meanwhile, the head of the investigation division at the Seogwipo Police Station has repeatedly told this newspaper since last year that “the investigation will be completed soon.”

Jeju = Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Park Chang-won captain@asiae.co.kr

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