President Lee Orders Implementation of Special Privilege Abolition for Public Officials in Professional Exams

President Lee Jae-myung has directed government ministries to move forward with abolishing a special privilege that exempts public officials from certain parts of national professional qualification exams. This directive comes as the administration seeks to strengthen youth policies and appeal to voters in their 20s and 30s.

The privilege, known as the "public service career special treatment system," allows individuals with specific experience in public service to be exempt from some or all examination stages for 15 types of national professional qualifications, including certified public accountants, tax accountants, and patent attorneys. The National Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission (ACRC) had recommended the abolition of this system by 2024.

However, ministries that had agreed to the ACRC's recommendation have delayed submitting legislative amendments to Parliament, allowing the system to persist. This delay has drawn criticism, particularly from younger applicants who argue the system creates an unfair playing field and hinders fair competition. For instance, in the 2021 tax accountant exam, the failure rate for the second stage was significantly higher for general applicants compared to those who benefited from the exemption, sparking considerable backlash.

President Lee's intervention followed a report from ACRC Chairperson Jeong Il-yeon at the first Anti-Corruption Policy Coordination Meeting on August 21st. Lee emphasized the need for proper implementation, stating, "The special privilege for public service careers was recommended for abolition, and ministries agreed, but it is not being properly implemented. Ensure it is carried out properly."

The ACRC plans to report on the implementation status by each ministry at the next Anti-Corruption Policy Coordination Meeting. An ACRC official stated they would encourage ministries to comply and discuss why legislative amendments have not been submitted or when they are expected. The move is seen as a significant step towards institutionalizing the government's emphasis on fairness, particularly in areas crucial for young professionals seeking entry into specialized fields.