[Exclusive] Prime Minister’s Office Chief of Civil Affairs Faces Allegations of Political Neutrality Violation Over Participation in Democratic Party Group Chat

Chief of Civil Affairs Remains in Party Chat Room
Criticism Mounts: “Beyond Poor Oversight, It Is Dereliction of Duty”

Yonhap News Agency

Shin Hyunseong, Chief of Civil Affairs at the Prime Minister’s Office, who is known to be an alumnus of President Lee Jaemyung from the Central University Law School, was found to be participating in a Democratic Party member KakaoTalk group chat, raising suspicions of violating the political neutrality obligation under the State Public Officials Act.

Shin served as the head of the Democratic Party’s Boryeong-Seocheon regional committee in South Chungcheong Province from June last year before being appointed in August as Chief of Civil Affairs (Grade 1) at the Prime Minister’s Office, assisting Prime Minister Kim Minseok. The Chief of Civil Affairs is a key position responsible for overseeing public affairs related to civil petitions and civil society.

However, according to a comprehensive report by The Asia Business Daily on December 12, it was confirmed that Shin has continued to participate in the Boryeong regional party member group chat even four months after being appointed as Chief of Civil Affairs.

This group chat reportedly includes about 130 Democratic Party members and serves as a space for party activities where local political schedules and other information are shared in real time.

Image of the Democratic Party KakaoTalk group chat in the Boryeong area / Informant

For this reason, criticism has arisen that the mere fact that the Chief of Civil Affairs remained in a regional party group chat constitutes a violation of the political neutrality and ethical standards required of public officials.

A local political figure commented, “He has neglected the basic duty of political neutrality that is required of the Chief of Civil Affairs. If the Prime Minister’s Office was unaware of this, it is a failure of oversight; if they knew and overlooked it, it is a dereliction of duty.”

Another official stated, “It cannot be dismissed as a simple mistake that the Chief of Civil Affairs remained in a party group chat. Allowing a civil servant to remain in a prohibited area, especially when responsible for supervision, is an act of undermining discipline within the public service.”

Yet another official pointed out, “The issue is not whether he was actively participating, but that by remaining connected to a party organization, he left open the possibility of compromising neutrality. The Chief of Civil Affairs himself has shaken the ethical standards of the public sector.”

In response, Shin explained in a phone call with The Asia Business Daily, “It was simply a group chat I joined while serving as regional committee head, and I have never engaged in any political activities.”