KEPCO Implements One-Strike-Out Policy..."Immediate Dismissal for Violators of Solar Power Dual Employment Ban"

Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO) announced on the 14th that following the Board of Audit and Inspection's findings that many employees violated the prohibition on holding concurrent positions by participating in solar power projects, it will implement a one-strike-out policy including dismissal if intentionality and severity are found after investigation.

KEPCO stated in a press release after the Board of Audit and Inspection's announcement, "We take the audit results seriously and sincerely apologize to the public for some employees violating the prohibition on concurrent positions and compromising the fairness of the solar power generation projects."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

The Board of Audit and Inspection revealed that 251 executives and employees from eight public institutions related to solar power generation projects, including KEPCO, improperly engaged in solar power businesses under their own or family members' names. Additionally, 64 local government officials with work-related connections were caught, and cases were uncovered where Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy officials gave preferential treatment to solar power companies and later re-employed by them.

KEPCO said, "Regarding this misconduct, KEPCO has specially selected suspected employees holding concurrent solar power-related positions pointed out by the audit for further investigation," and added, "We will also impose personnel disadvantages such as promotion restrictions and transfers outside the area." Furthermore, to eradicate disguised concurrent positions involving family members in solar power projects, KEPCO will operate a 'Concurrent Position Reporting Center' on a permanent basis, institutionalize regular comprehensive investigations of all employees, and regularly check whether disciplined employees' power plants are disposed of.

KEPCO will also launch the 'Compliance Management Team,' a control tower directly under the president to strengthen internal controls, and continue preventive measures such as misconduct prevention education to change employee awareness. KEPCO stated, "Going forward, all employees will continue to strive with the determination of a second founder while faithfully fulfilling our fundamental responsibility of stable power supply," and "We deeply apologize once again for causing concern to the public."

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