Gyeonggi Province Postpones Personnel Appointments to January, Criticism of Governor Choo Mi-ae's Leadership Grows

Gyeonggi Province's decision to postpone personnel appointments for officials above grade 5 until January has sparked significant backlash from provincial government employees and local authorities. The province cited the need for organizational diagnosis and restructuring under the new administration as the reason for the delay, arguing that appointments before restructuring would lead to inefficiencies.

However, the Gyeonggi Provincial Government Employees Union vehemently opposed the move, calling it an "irresponsible half-measure" that undermines employee morale. The union held a press conference to condemn the decision, which they claim was made without prior consultation. They are demanding the reasons for the postponement be disclosed, the full appointment schedule be confirmed and executed promptly, and an apology for the delay, along with a system for better communication.

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Employees' biggest concern, the regular personnel appointment schedule, was overturned without prior consultation.

The ripple effect of this decision is also being felt in local governments. Seven cities and counties within Gyeonggi, including Seongnam, Siheung, and Icheon, are currently without deputy mayors. The prolonged vacancy, now expected to last until January, is raising concerns about administrative burdens and safety gaps. Seongnam City issued a statement emphasizing the critical role of deputy mayors in assisting the mayor, overseeing administration, and leading rapid responses to emergencies, urging Gyeonggi Province to normalize the appointment process.

This personnel appointment controversy follows a previous debate over an emergency financial declaration, further intensifying criticism of Governor Choo Mi-ae's "uncommunicative leadership" and fueling internal conflict within the provincial government.

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The deputy mayor is a key figure who assists the local government head, oversees administration, and leads rapid responses to emergencies.