Yeongcheon City Stands Firm on 'Strong Public Service Reform' Amid 2.5 Billion Won Embezzlement Scandal: "Actions Must Follow Words"

Full Recovery of Embezzled Funds and Relief for Affected Creditors
Comprehensive Special Audit Initiated Across All Departments
Implementation of Four Core Public Service Innovation Initiatives
Local Community "Closely Observing Mayor Kim’s Strong Determination for Enforcement"

In response to the recent scandal involving the embezzlement of public funds amounting to approximately 2.5 billion won by a Grade 7 civil servant at a local Administrative Welfare Center, Yeongcheon City has embarked on a comprehensive reform of the public service sector.

On August 4, Yeongcheon City hosted its "August Staff Meeting," as well as a "Public Service Innovation Pledge and Integrity Training" at the Citizen Hall, with all employees in attendance. During the event, the city adopted four core tasks: strict adherence to laws and principles, eradication of unreasonable practices, innovation in work methods centered on citizens, and the establishment of a healthy organizational culture through horizontal communication.

Kim Byungsam, mayor of Yeongcheon, is emphasizing the reform of public officials on the 4th at the Civic Center with all employees in attendance. Provided by Yeongcheon City

Previously, on July 20, Byungsam Kim, Mayor of Yeongcheon City, held a press conference where he pledged to thoroughly uncover the facts, impose severe disciplinary measures regardless of position or rank, and recover the entire amount embezzled, leaving no room for leniency.

This response is particularly significant since it marks a direct and determined approach by the municipal leader in dealing with a major misconduct case that surfaced immediately after the launch of the 9th popularly elected administration.

Notably, instead of announcing vague future visions or making political slogans, the administration has set "establishing public service discipline" and "implementing practical recovery measures" as its top priorities.

By utilizing all available legal means, the city will pursue the recovery of the misappropriated funds to the very end. For legitimate creditors harmed by the incident, the city will initiate swift relief procedures, including prompt payment of outstanding debts.

In coordination with the Ministry of the Interior and Safety's comprehensive inspection of public fund management, Yeongcheon City will conduct intensive, specialized audits covering all departments, including the main office, townships, local offices, and affiliated institutions. These audits will review every aspect of accounting, contracting, and fund execution.

The four key tasks—complete eradication of corruption through adherence to laws and principles, elimination of unreasonable practices, innovation in field administration and work methods centered on citizens, and building a healthy organizational culture by fostering horizontal communication—will be actively implemented by all staff members.

Local communities and residents are closely watching Mayor Byungsam Kim’s strong determination for enforcement as he begins his first term as an elected mayor.

Given that this is the city's first major test under such adverse circumstances, there is widespread sentiment that this announcement must not end as a one-time slogan or superficial performance.

Citizens are looking for fundamental improvements to the administrative structure, not just empty words of remorse.

All eyes are on whether Mayor Kim will honor his promise to return to the basics with the mindset of a first-term mayor, and whether the administration can transform the deeply regrettable misappropriation of 2.5 billion won into a full recovery of public trust through systemic reform.

On this day, Mayor Byungsam Kim emphasized that public officials must approach their administrative duties with a strong sense of ownership, urging them once again to review their work methods and attitudes and to actively carry out their responsibilities.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.