Osan City Rolls Up Sleeves to Promote Clean Government Culture

[Suwon Ilbo=Lee Su-won Reporter] Osan City has rolled up its sleeves to promote clean government culture as the New Year begins.

The city conducted 'integrity assessments of senior civil servants' through January 10th to diagnose corruption risks among senior officials and organizational environments, and from the 17th, is restructuring the existing 'self-study on integrity' with diverse content. The city is making special efforts to cultivate integrity awareness and foster a culture of integrity throughout the public sector.

In particular, the city established an anonymous reporting system for public official misconduct called 'Helpline' that activates both internal and external corruption reports and strengthens the anonymity and security of reporters. With the aim of identifying customary irregularities and issues, it has established a strong internal control mechanism that plays a significant role in Osan City's self-regulation efforts to root out public official misconduct.

Anonymous reporting targets include △embezzlement of public funds △acceptance of gifts or entertainment △improper work directives △involvement in vested interests △private use of office △solicitation for personnel decisions △use of budget outside intended purposes, etc. Simple civil complaints or inconveniences are not applicable.

To report, access the 'Osan City Public Official Misconduct Anonymous Reporting System' through the city's website.

Meanwhile, following the receipt of anonymous reports of public official misconduct, the city conducted preliminary investigation and on-site investigation over two months starting in October last year, uncovering that An A, a contract civil servant hired in 2014, embezzled approximately 81 million won in city budget.

Consequently, the city recovered the full embezzled amount and dismissed A, the highest disciplinary measure, while additionally imposing a disciplinary fine equal to the embezzled amount. A is currently referred to the Osan Police Station for charges of embezzlement and breach of fiduciary duty.

Mayor Lee Gwon-jae stated, "Integrity is the highest virtue and value of public officials, and there can be no exceptions in eliminating public official misconduct regardless of position," and added, "We will respond strongly with a zero-tolerance principle against public official misconduct and corruption."