Scope of Immunity for Active Administration Expanded... Ministry of Personnel Management: "Immunity Presumed Even in Board of Audit and Inspection Audits"

Immunity for Active Administration
to Be Expanded to Board of Audit and Inspection Reviews
Ministry of Personnel Management Proposes Revision
to Encourage Proactive Public Service

If a public official handles their work in accordance with the recommendations of the Active Administration Committee, immunity from liability will be presumed even during audits by the Board of Audit and Inspection.

On September 4, the Ministry of Personnel Management announced that it would propose a revision to the Active Administration Operation Regulations, expanding the scope of immunity to prevent proactive actions by public officials for the benefit of citizens from being discouraged by audit concerns. "Active administration" refers to proactive actions by individual public officials who demonstrate expertise and creativity, enhancing the public interest without being constrained by laws or regulations. As society changes rapidly, it is important to reduce the burdens associated with practicing active administration and create an environment where public officials can focus on their duties, so that the government can respond quickly and actively address the inconveniences faced by citizens and businesses.

Under the revised regulations, immunity from liability, which was previously presumed only during internal audits when work was handled according to the opinions of the Active Administration Committee at each institution, will be extended to audits by the Board of Audit and Inspection. To enhance the credibility of the committee’s decisions, the revised regulations also require that opinions from audit bodies be submitted in advance for deliberation. If there is no objection from the audit body, immunity from liability will also be presumed during audits by the Board of Audit and Inspection.

Choi Dongseok, Commissioner of the Ministry of Personnel Management, stated, "Active administration by public officials is extremely important for responding quickly and creatively to a rapidly changing social environment," adding, "We will do our utmost to actively pursue national policy tasks and help public officials focus on their assigned duties under a government that prioritizes the sovereignty of the people."

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