Construction and Transportation Minister Kang Dong Seok has stepped down rather than face allegations about his children and real estate dealings. The people feel frustrated watching all these high-ranking government officials removed for ethical reasons. The list includes Deputy Prime Minister of Education and Human Resources Development Lee Ki Jun, Deputy Prime Minister for Finance and Economy Lee Hun Jai, and most recently National Human Rights Commissioner Choe Yeong Do. One worries about the vacuum and confusion in government affairs.
In Kang's case the allegations had just surfaced and so it was as of yet unclear whether they were serious enough for him to bear responsibility and submit his resignation, but it reveals that there are serious holes in the process of appointing high-level officials. There needs to be revamping of the working-level appointment process and the ethical standards to which candidates are held, so as to prevent bad appointments and reduce the confusion.
All of the officials who had to leave their positions did so because of things that had transpired almost exclusively before they were appointed. Primary responsibility lies with the working level appointment review system for not finding those problems from the past. They say that in countries like the United States they take their time and practically interrogate people as they look into everything about the person. There need to be more confirmation hearings at the legislative level and improvements in the methods with which candidates are looked at, including the regular collection of data about people with the potential to enter public service. President Roh Moo Hyun himself has proposed having National Assembly confirmations, verification of asset holdings with candidate approval, and review by a body outside Cheong Wa Dae such as the anti-corruption commission. The system needs some landmark improvements.
Part of what is happening is that issues which would have been written off as insignificant in the past are becoming a problem as we enter a new era with higher ethical standards. The ethical standard has to be strict yet consistent and clear. One worries about feelings of alienation between the people and Cheong Wa Dae for the way it has protected its appointments in controversy. The head of personnel affairs there worries that if the standards are too strict there are quality people who cannot be tapped for service. One worries that he is limiting his own options then being overcome by paternalism.
There are positive aspects of the "resignation domino effect." One understands it to mean that newer and higher ethical standards are being established. When there are serious allegations they should be thoroughly investigated instead of being hidden away as a result of the resignation of the person in question.
The Hankyoreh, 29 March 2005.
[Translations by Seoul Selection (PMS)]
[Editorial] Filling the Holes in High-Level Appointments |
