Ex-Ulsan Public Corp. Head's Return Attempt Sparks Controversy After Election Campaigning

A former director of the Ulsan Ulju-gun Facilities Management Corporation is under fire for seeking to reclaim his post after resigning mid-term to engage in election campaigning. The position has been vacant since the director's departure in late January.

The former director, initially appointed in November 2022 for a three-year term, was expected to serve until October. However, he resigned with about nine months remaining, openly stating his intention to help the incumbent county mayor win re-election and actively participating in the campaign. This move has drawn sharp criticism from within the corporation.

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I cannot understand the logic of quitting with the remaining term disregarded to campaign, and then trying to return after the election was won. It seems like he views the position as a reward for political service.

One employee told The Hankyoreh, "I cannot understand the logic of quitting with the remaining term disregarded to campaign, and then trying to return after the election was won. It seems like he views the position as a reward for political service." The Ulju County office attributed the delay in appointing a successor to a directive from the Ministry of Interior and Safety in early February, which advised against personnel decisions that could be misconstrued as political appointments near the election.

The former director stated that the decision rests with the executive recommendation committee. He had previously faced criticism for allegedly pressuring employees to transfer during the separation of the corporation's services to the Ulju Welfare Foundation last year.

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The executive recommendation committee will make the judgment.