Foreign Ministry cancels hiring of ex-prosecutor general's daughter, seeks disciplinary action

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on July 17 that it has canceled the final hiring of Shim Woo-jung's daughter for a public service researcher position. The ministry stated that the decision was made after a review by the hiring inspection committee found that the candidate did not meet the advertised qualifications.

The ministry reportedly notified the candidate of the cancellation via email on May 29. Attempts to contact her by phone were unsuccessful. The ministry has also initiated disciplinary proceedings against the officials responsible for the hiring process. Details regarding the specific disciplinary actions or the individuals involved remain undisclosed as the process is ongoing.

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In accordance with relevant laws and procedures, after deliberation by the hiring inspection committee, the final hiring of the person who did not meet the advertised qualifications has been canceled.

Shim's daughter had applied for the position at the National Diplomatic Academy in February of the previous year and reportedly passed the document screening, written exam, and interview stages. However, allegations surfaced that her experience was overly recognized and that documents submitted after the application deadline were accepted. The ministry had previously announced a hold on her hiring decision in April of the previous year, and the cancellation comes more than a year after the initial application.

The ministry emphasized that the disciplinary review is currently underway and that the final outcome has not yet been determined. The case involves allegations of preferential treatment and procedural irregularities in the hiring of a public official, raising questions about fairness and adherence to regulations within the ministry.

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We have requested disciplinary action against the relevant individuals by the Central Disciplinary Committee. As the disciplinary review process is currently underway and the final decision has not been confirmed, it is difficult to disclose the reasons for discipline, the level of discipline, or the results.