Will the Government's Rapid "Stick and Carrot" Approach Restore Discipline in the Public Sector?

Presidential Office Announces "Public Sector Vitalization Measures" One Day After Launching Task Force to Investigate Public Officials' Involvement in Insurrection
Proposes Full Expansion of Remote Duty Shifts
Up to 30 Million Won Bonus Per Person for Public Officials with Exceptional Achievements
Plans to Further Expand Personnel Benefits

The government has taken both "stick" and "carrot" approaches in quick succession, aiming to restore discipline within the public sector. Just one day after announcing the formation of the "Constitution-Respecting Government Innovation Task Force (TF)," it unveiled measures to invigorate the public sector, including institutionalizing the abolition of policy audits and dramatically expanding special rewards.

Yonhap News Agency

On November 12, Kang Hoonshik, Chief Presidential Secretary, announced, based on the activities of the "Public Sector Vitalization TF," several measures: the abolition of policy audits by the Board of Audit and Inspection, more prudent investigations into abuse of authority charges, improved treatment in disaster and safety sectors, a complete overhaul of government duty shifts, and expanded incentives for outstanding public officials. Kang stated, "We will revise the audit office regulations this year and amend the Board of Audit and Inspection Act in the first half of next year to institutionalize the abolition of policy audits."

Choi Jaehae, the former Chairman of the Board of Audit and Inspection, who retired on November 11, declared the abolition of policy audits in August, prompting the Board to operate its own reform task force. If the amendment to the Board of Audit and Inspection Act is pursued in the first half of next year, work will be carried out under the new system from the second half of the year.

The government also plans to address the abuse of authority charge, which has been cited as a cause of passive job performance among public officials. The aim is to improve investigative practices and clarify the requirements for the abuse of authority charge in criminal law to prevent its misuse as a tool for political retaliation. The government intends to pursue an amendment to the abuse of authority charge in the Criminal Act in the first half of next year.

Plans have also been announced to improve working conditions and treatment. The government will significantly enhance the treatment of public officials in disaster and safety sectors, as well as junior military officers, who are responsible for public safety and lives. To this end, 130.4 billion won has been allocated in next year's government budget proposal.

The duty shift system and incentives for outstanding public officials will also be expanded. The goal for the duty shift system is to fully implement remote duty shifts. According to government estimates, the budget for duty shift allowances will be reduced by 16.9 billion won annually, and 1,712 additional public officials will be available due to fewer duty shift absences. Furthermore, the government plans to provide exceptional rewards for public officials who achieve outstanding results, with bonuses of up to 30 million won per person and expanded personnel benefits.

Some analysts view these bold measures to invigorate the public sector as a "carrot" to preemptively address unrest and rigidity within the public sector that may arise from the launch of the Constitution-Respecting Government Innovation TF. A ruling party official stated, "Since this administration began without a transition committee, there has been little opportunity for comprehensive personnel appointments of public officials. By firmly establishing standards such as clear accountability and reward, we expect to enhance the government's ability to push forward with state affairs."

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