Commissioner Noh Tae-ak apologized to the public on the 5th regarding the controversy over preferential hiring of senior executives' children, saying he would "reflect deeply." He also stated that he would take strict disciplinary action against those involved in the hiring corruption and actively pursue institutional improvements, including strengthening the independence of the audit organization.
On the same day, Chairperson Noh expressed his apology for large-scale hiring corruption, including preferential hiring of employees' children, through a statement.
He said, "The Election Commission has caused great disappointment and concern to the public due to the preferential hiring of senior executives' children. As the chairperson of the commission, I bow my head and apologize with deep reflection."
He added, "I know well that public trust in the Election Commission is shaken due to this incident. Furthermore, I feel responsible that distrust in the organization’s operations could lead to distrust in the election process."
The Election Commission issued a statement the previous day apologizing for the preferential hiring of senior executives' children, and considering public opinion and the severity of the matter, the head of the agency bowed his head again. An audit by the Board of Audit and Inspection confirmed at least 878 violations of regulations in the commission’s career recruitment on the 27th of last month.
Chairperson Noh emphasized that strict disciplinary action would be taken against employees involved in the hiring corruption. He stated, "Regarding the preferential hiring issue, I have requested disciplinary measures at the disciplinary committee today for employees who handled their duties improperly," and added, "I will take strict action considering the disciplinary level demanded by the Board of Audit and Inspection and the internal standards of the Election Commission."
He also stated that efforts would be made to strengthen the independence of the audit organization. Chairperson Noh noted, "I will not be complacent with the institutional improvements made so far, such as revising personnel regulations and strengthening the independence of the audit organization, and I will actively consider various external control measures," adding, "The Election Commission will make constant efforts for self-correction to restore public trust without relying solely on the independence of constitutional institutions."
The Election Commission intends to actively participate in discussions on control measures at the National Assembly level. Previously, the People Power Party stated it would pursue legislation to introduce a special auditor to monitor and check the Election Commission, as the controversy over the hiring corruption of senior executives in the commission has resurfaced.