Democratic Party Proposes Blacklist and Preemptive Appointment Ban Law... "Public Institution Executives' Terms Align with President's Term"

If the new appointer is reappointed, the original term can be completed
Representative Kim Seong-hwan, Democratic Party Policy Committee Chairperson, initiates the proposal

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Naju-seok] A bill fundamentally resolving the controversy over the resignation of heads of public institutions whenever the administration changes has been proposed in the National Assembly. The aim is to eliminate the controversies of "entrenchment" and "blacklists" by ending the terms of public institution executives when a new president takes office.

On the 29th, Kim Seong-hwan, the Policy Committee Chair of the Democratic Party of Korea, officially proposed the "Public Institution Operation Act" to address the issue of "term mismatch" between the president and heads of public institutions.

Currently, the term for heads of public institutions is set at three years, while directors and auditors serve two-year terms. Although terms were guaranteed to ensure the independence and stability of public institutions, controversies over "entrenchment" have arisen whenever the administration changes. The amendment includes provisions to have the terms of heads and executives of public institutions expire simultaneously when a new president is elected. It also allows for the possibility that if the new government reappoints the existing heads and executives, they may complete their original terms.

Chairman Kim stated, "There is a strong suspicion that investigative agencies are intensively targeting heads of public institutions appointed by the Moon Jae-in administration with investigations and audits to pressure them into voluntary resignation," adding, "It is time for fundamental institutional reform to align the terms of public institution heads with the president to prevent repetitive, wasteful conflicts between old and new powers during government transitions and to enable public institutions to efficiently implement the new administration’s national philosophy."

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