Postal Union Chief Fired Over Embezzlement Allegations

The incumbent president of the National Postal Workers' Union has been dismissed from his post after being indicted on charges including embezzlement and violating the anti-graft law. The decision came after the Science and ICT Ministry's disciplinary committee ruled that the union leader had violated his duty to uphold the dignity of public officials.

According to the Postal Business Group, the dismissed union leader, identified as Lee Jae-gyu, was indicted on charges related to the misappropriation of union funds and bribery. He is also accused of being involved in the formation of a slush fund to support a former union leader during the 2022 Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU) election.

The prosecution has sought a prison sentence of three years for the former union leader and a fine of 10 million won for Lee Jae-gyu. The case, which began with a complaint filed in February 2024, was transferred to the prosecution in January of this year and is currently under trial.

The National Postal Workers' Union, affiliated with the KCTU, represents approximately 27,000 members, including 24,000 postal service officials and 3,000 part-time officials. Members contribute monthly union dues, with postal officials paying 1.1% of their base salary and part-time officials paying between 6,000 and 14,000 won depending on their working hours.