Allegations of Favoritism Arise Over Social Service Agent's Selection for Military Support Project

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[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Kim Chunsu] Hampyeong-gun, Jeollanam-do, is facing controversy as allegations of favoritism have arisen in the selection process of subsidy project operators aimed at increasing farm income.

A social service agent was selected as the project operator, leading to an inquiry being made to the Gwangju Jeonnam Regional Military Manpower Administration.

According to Hampyeong-gun on the 15th, regarding the ‘2022 High-Quality Grape Production Base Establishment Project,’ applications from operators were accepted through each eup and myeon until December 31, 2021.

This project is promoted to increase farm income and foster a representative crop by distributing cultivation facilities for high-income varieties (Shine Muscat). Last year, 95 farms applied, and 28 were selected. It is a popular subsidy project where 50% of the cost is covered by the county, 20% by the agricultural cooperative, and 30% is self-funded to install an internal-type steel vinyl greenhouse.

Accordingly, Hampyeong-gun announced that in the operator selection process, priority would be given to ▲ farms specializing in cultivation crops aiming to create complexes ▲ farms that are members of the agricultural cooperative ▲ farms willing to engage in agriculture and have completed professional training. The selection of support recipients is finalized through public deliberation based on cultivation technology, management ability, and self-funding capacity.

However, contrary to the announcement, a candidate about to begin social service was selected, causing local residents to raise doubts about the transparency of the project and express dissatisfaction.

In addition, Hampyeong-gun made an inquiry to the Gwangju Jeonnam Regional Military Manpower Administration.

The Military Manpower Administration responded, "Based on Article 33, Paragraph 2, Subparagraph 4 of the Military Service Act, social service agents are prohibited from engaging in profit-making activities related to their service. However, if necessary for the livelihood of themselves or their family, they may hold concurrent positions with prior approval from the service institution head. In such cases, the service institution head comprehensively assesses whether the concurrent position interferes with duty performance before granting permission."

The complainant expressed distrust in the county administration process, stating, “There were many applicants, but selecting an applicant about to start social service indicates a problem in the administration.”

Another local resident said, “The parent, who was close to the head of the local government, applied under the son’s name because dual applications were difficult. This suspicion must be thoroughly investigated,” adding, “This appears to be an illegal act disguised as legal.”

A Hampyeong-gun official explained, “Operators were selected fairly through a thorough document review,” and “In this case, the application and selection were completed before the social service agent was appointed, so there was no illegal activity in the county administration.”

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