[One-Minute Cut] Jeonbuk aimed for “first-class integrity” but remains at third-class for 3 years, innovation urgently needed

[Cheonji Ilbo Jeonbuk=Reporter Kim Dong-hyun] Although three years have passed since the launch of the 8th popularly elected administration, criticism continues that innovation in Jeonbuk Province’s public sector remains stagnant. In a corruption perception survey by the Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission, distrust toward the public sector was high, and Jeonbuk has remained at third-class in the comprehensive integrity evaluation for three consecutive years.

In recent years, corruption cases have continued throughout the public sector. An employee of the spokesperson’s office was given heavy disciplinary action and referred for investigation for illegally spending 14 million won in advertising expenses and improperly receiving overtime pay. High-ranking officials received heavy disciplinary action for abuse of power, verbal abuse, and sexual remarks. Department heads and team leaders were disciplined for demeaning language, overseas trips disguised as work, and improper receipt of allowances. There were also cases of dismissal or suspension for embezzlement of budget funds, leaking secrets, abuse of authority, and fraud involving public money.

The provincial council urged structural reform, saying, “Lenient corrective measures have their limits.” Assembly member Oh Hyun-sook said, “Victims leave, and perpetrators remain,” while Kim Jeong-su said, “80–90% of disciplinary cases end with a warning.” Assembly member Yeom Young-seon called for expanded audit authority.

Governor Kim Kwan-young announced that the province is pushing for continuous monitoring of high-ranking officials, strengthened verification in hiring, operation of the Red Team, integrity pledges, and expansion of citizen auditors. The council believes institutional backing, not just declarations, is urgently needed, emphasizing that audit functions, fair personnel management, and a zero-tolerance policy are necessary to achieve practical clean administration.