President Lee: Hold irresponsible, corrupt officials strictly accountable

President Lee Jae-myung stressed on November 11 that the direction and success of society hinge on the conduct and actions of public officials. He stated that while the vast majority of civil servants diligently serve the nation, a small number engage in irresponsible, incompetent, or corrupt behavior, necessitating strict disciplinary measures.

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Strict accountability must be imposed on those who are irresponsible, incompetent, or engage in corrupt and dishonest acts.

Lee acknowledged the large scale of the public service, noting that most officials are loyal and work hard for the people. However, he pointed out that some individuals exploit their authority for personal benefit or fail to perform their duties adequately. He asserted that a system of rewards for good performance and disciplinary actions for misconduct is essential for maintaining organizational integrity and ensuring that public institutions can fulfill their roles effectively.

"We must reward those who are loyal, competent, and achieve results, and thoroughly compensate them," Lee stated. He also emphasized the importance of shielding officials from punitive measures or audits when they fail despite genuine efforts. "If we hold people responsible for bad outcomes due to mistakes, who will work hard?" he questioned.

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If we hold people responsible for bad outcomes due to mistakes, who will work hard?

The president concluded by underscoring the responsibility of leaders, including himself, to create an environment where dedicated and competent public servants can pursue their work with pride. This involves ensuring that diligent and loyal officials feel secure and motivated, fostering a culture of commitment and service within the government.

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It is the job of myself and those here to create an environment where loyal, competent, and diligent public officials can immerse themselves in their work with pride.