BAI head vows to dismantle factions, protect independence

Kim Ho-cheol, the new head of South Korea's Board of Audit and Inspection (BAI), has asserted the institution's need for independent status, emphasizing it should not be subject to political influence despite being under the president's purview. "We cannot conclude that the BAI is influenced politically simply because it is under the president's office," Kim stated during his first press conference since taking office.

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We cannot conclude that the BAI is influenced politically simply because it is under the president's office. Its independent status related to job performance must not be infringed upon.

Kim acknowledged past criticisms of the BAI, particularly regarding alleged biased audits favoring the previous administration. He specifically addressed issues of internal factionalism, such as the "Tiger Party," admitting that "abuse of personnel and inspection authority and its connection to factions and special treatment are difficult to deny." He pledged to dismantle these factions and rectify any disadvantages suffered by those unfairly treated.

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Factions must be dismantled, and special treatment due to factions must be revoked. I have declared the principle that those who were disadvantaged by factions must be fairly compensated, and I am striving to conduct personnel management so rigorously that factional issues are not even mentioned again.

Regarding allegations of "political audits" during the previous government, Kim indicated a readiness to investigate further if credible evidence surfaces, particularly concerning the audit into the former president's official residence relocation. He mentioned an internal review had identified circumstances where a subordinate directed written instead of in-person investigations for a company involved, but conclusive findings were not reached due to strong resistance.

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If facts with a high degree of probability are confirmed (in the investigation), I believe I, as the director, must also move to confirm the facts.

The BAI is also re-examining the audit process related to alleged "statistics manipulation" during the Moon Jae-in administration. Kim admitted to instances of human rights violations during past audits, including excessive questioning, and promised accountability and institutional improvements. Measures are being implemented to prevent politically motivated audits, such as requiring BAI committee approval for new audits deviating from the annual plan.

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It is true that there were human rights violations, such as excessively questioning public officials during the audit process. Depending on the results, those responsible will be held accountable, and I will responsibly present institutional補完 measures or internal personnel actions.