Former Police Deputy Commissioner Denied KAC Presidency Amid Scrutiny

A former deputy commissioner of the National Police Agency has been blocked from taking the top position at the Korea Airports Corporation (KAC) by the Government Public Service Ethics Committee. Lee Ho-young, who served as acting commissioner for six months after the 12.12 military coup in 1979, sought approval to become KAC president but was denied.

The Ministry of Personnel and Management announced on July 30 that five out of 85 applications for post-retirement employment were denied, with nine others facing employment restrictions. Lee, who retired this year, applied for the KAC presidency, a role overseeing 14 airports nationwide. However, the committee determined his case did not meet the legal criteria for approval, which include necessity for public interest, minimal potential for exerting influence, or proven expertise.

Historically, the KAC presidency has often been filled by high-ranking police officials. Out of the seven presidents since the corporation's establishment in 2002, four have been from the police force, with one each from the National Intelligence Service, Air Force, and internal KAC promotions. The Ministry explained that the differing decisions reflect individual career paths and responsibilities, even among those from the police.

The KAC presidency has been vacant for over two years since the resignation of former NIS deputy director Yoon Hyung-jo in April 2024. There are calls for the new president to address challenges such as the aftermath of the Jeju Air passenger jet incident at Muan International Airport and the airport's chronic deficit.