Yi Whan-woo is a Korea Times journalist primarily covering finance. He writes in-depth articles on macroeconomy and financial markets and previously covered sports, politics, diplomacy and inter-Korean affairs, among others. Feel free to contact him at yistory@koreatimes.co.kr.
1 in 5 fired gov't officials skirt ban to rejoin public posts
Civil servants head to work at Government Complex Sejong in this undated photo. Yonhap
By Yi Whan-woo
More than one in five public officials dismissed for misconduct, including bribery, have been rehired in the public sector or by private firms with ties to their former positions over the past four years, according to data released Friday.
Such reemployment directly violates the anti-corruption law, which bars disgraced former officials from being hired by central or local government bodies, public institutions, or affiliated companies for five years after dismissal.
The ban also extends to private-sector firms, many offering lucrative positions, to prevent dismissed officials from continuing to benefit financially after serious ethical breaches.
Violating the restriction is punishable by up to two years in prison or a fine of up to 20 million won ($14,190).
According to data obtained by Rep. Choo Kyung-ho of the People Power Party from the Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission (ACRC), a total of 183 individuals out of 819 who were dismissed for misconduct between 2021 and 2024 — amounting to 22.3 percent — were reemployed by organizations subject to these employment restrictions.
Yearly figures show that 53 such cases were recorded in 2021, dropping to 35 in 2022, but rising again to 47 in 2023 and 48 in 2024.
By type of institution, 104 individuals were reemployed at private companies related to their previous duties. Another 73 found jobs at public institutions, including central and local government bodies, state-run enterprises, and education offices.
Notably, six individuals were hired by institutions directly linked to the corrupt activities that led to their dismissal.
Rep. Choo, who also serves on the National Assembly’s National Policy Committee, called for stronger measures to prevent illegal reemployment.
“We must strengthen institutional safeguards, such as enhanced pre-screening of candidates dismissed for misconduct during the hiring process,” he said. “A coordinated response by the ACRC and the Ministry of Personnel Management is urgently needed to ensure the system's effectiveness.”