The Presidential National Planning Committee noted on the 19th during a report on the Ministry of Personnel Management that it reviewed the progress of the national recommendation system, measures to establish public service ethics, and ways to eliminate improper practices in public service.

Chairperson Lee Han-joo (left) receives a report on work on the 19th. /Courtesy of News1

The National Planning Committee's Political and Administrative Subcommittee conducted a report on its affiliated agency, the Ministry of Personnel Management, at 2 p.m. that day at the Sejong Convention Center. The report was attended by Lee Han-joo, chairperson of the National Planning Committee; Lee Hae-sik, head of the Political and Administrative Subcommittee; and Park Yong-soo, Vice Administrator of the Ministry of Personnel Management.

During the report, discussions were held about the progress and implementation plans of the national recommendation system, a major pledge of President Lee Jae-myung. The national recommendation system allows citizens to directly recommend high-level personnel, including candidates for ministers and vice ministers. President Lee pledged to introduce this system during his presidential campaign. Subsequently, from 10th to 16th, recommendations from the public were solicited for candidates to join the first cabinet.

Additionally, the Ministry of Personnel Management stated it would review ways to establish public service ethics that meet the public's expectations, such as strengthening employment restrictions for high-ranking public officials and eliminate improper practices in public service to create a results-oriented public service.

Subcommittee members raised the necessity of improving related systems, such as raising objections to unlawful and unreasonable work directives from superiors.

They also called for measures that can break down barriers between ministries through solving personnel issues and enhance the efficiency of national administration, along with preparing measures to address the departure of young public servants.

Lee Hae-sik, the head of the subcommittee, said, "The Ministry of Personnel Management needs to create an environment where civil servants can work enthusiastically and take pride in their public service," and added, "I hope personnel decisions can be made based on competence, integrity, and especially loyalty to the public."