Minister Choi Dongseok: "Public Officials Who Followed Martial Law Need a 'Healing Program'"

Through the Constitutional Respect Task Force
"It Is Right to Discipline Public Officials Who Sided With the Rebellion"

Choi Dongseok, Minister of Personnel Management, stated that public officials who blindly followed the unreasonable and illegal '12·3 Martial Law' are not worthy of participating in the operation of the state. He added that measures taken through the 'Government Innovation Task Force for Constitutional Respect,' currently led by Prime Minister Kim Minseok, are necessary as a 'healing program.'

Yonhap News Agency

During a luncheon meeting with the press on December 1, Minister Choi remarked, "There were quite a few public officials who sided with the rebellion," and explained, "Of course, those who are under investigation should be held accountable, but there are also some whose involvement was so minor that they do not require investigation. In such cases, I personally believe that while they may not be subject to criminal punishment under the Criminal Act, it would still be right to impose disciplinary action rather than letting it go unaddressed."

He continued, "Just as wounds on our bodies fester if left untreated, I believe a healing program is necessary. It was timely that the Prime Minister raised this issue at a Cabinet meeting, and I strongly agree with the need for such a program."

Minister Choi also pointed out the need to address inefficiencies within the civil service. In particular, he stressed that Article 57 of the National Public Officials Act, which stipulates the 'duty of obedience,' must be abolished. He said, "In the public sector, roles and responsibilities are not clearly defined, and everyone must obtain approval for everything, which leads to significant inefficiency. The practice of seeking approval from a superior, who then seeks approval from their own superior, must be fundamentally reformed."

He went on to say, "I was shocked to learn that the National Public Officials Act contains a duty of obedience. Public officials operate under a command-and-control system, but this must be improved. If the legislation passes, it will fundamentally change the decision-making process." On November 25, the Ministry of Personnel Management announced a legislative proposal to abolish the duty of obedience clause, which had been in place for 76 years, and to allow public officials to refuse unjust orders from their superiors.

Meanwhile, Minister Choi also expressed his aspiration to help transform the public sector under the Lee Jaemyung administration. He stated, "We must create a society where human dignity is respected and protected, and where economic efficiency is maximized. Achieving a harmonious balance between these two goals is the objective of the Lee Jaemyung administration. I do not know how long I will be able to serve, but I hope to contribute, even in a small way, to changing the public sector."

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