BOK hit for going after employees

By Kim Jae-won

Korea’s central bank is under fire for pursuing employees who had left critical comments targeting Bank of Korea (BOK) Governor Kim Choong-soo and his leadership on its online message board.

The labor union of the central bank said Monday that its management recently sent letters to two law firms to ask if it is legally acceptable to trace the employees through their internet protocol (IP). The management is considering suing the employees, according to unionists.

Sources said that employees posted four comments which questioned BOK Gov. Kim Choong-soo’s ability to lead the central bank. Particularly, he criticized the governor for lacking clear standards and transparency in personnel management.

The BOK’s move to inspect its own officials drew a backlash from politicians who argued that the central bank has gone too far. Some lawmakers said they will address the matter later this week when the central bank reports their activities to the National Assembly.

“The legal consultation indicates that BOK executives are out of their mind. Somebody should take responsibility as it is totally against common sense,” main opposition Democratic United Party Rep. Choi Jae-sung was quoted as saying by Yonhap.

Another lawmaker from the governing Saenuri Party who asked for anonymity said that the central bank has gone too far in reacting to the issue.

The BOK was mum in response. “I know nothing of that,” said an official of the central bank’s legal team. Lee Hee-won, head of the legal department of the BOK, did not answer repeated calls.

This is the latest incident in a series of criticisms of BOK Gov. Kim over his poor communication skills. Former BOK Vice Gov. Lee Joo-yeol boldly said in his farewell speech in April, “We should check out what we’ve earned and what we’ve lost with the reformation. I hope a leader and the members share the values of the organization and there is a change from one-way communication to both ways.”

Some observers say that Gov. Kim’s arrogance and pride remain obstacles for communication with his staff. Kim Choong-soo is known for talking a lot in meetings to show off his knowledge and expertise in finance and economic issues.

Journalists point out his love for English also makes them uncomfortable.

“Why Gov. Kim uses English terms so often though there are Korean terms which can be translated. He seems like to be boasting his English skills,” said a Korean reporter on condition of anonymity.