Lee says Korea’s integrity must match its economic clout at first anti-graft meeting

President Lee Jae Myung addressed the first anti-corruption policy council meeting under his administration on Friday at the presidential office Cheong Wa Dae in Seoul. The gathering brought together heads of 18 government ministries and agencies, including the Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission, Office for Government Policy Coordination, Fair Trade Commission, Financial Services Commission, National Tax Service, National Police Agency, Board of Audit and Inspection and National Intelligence Service. Lee emphasized the need for South Korea's integrity to align with its economic influence, highlighting the disparity between the nation's economic success and its ranking in global integrity assessments. He noted that South Korea's exports have reached a record high, placing the country as the fifth-largest globally, while its current account surplus has also hit an all-time high and its sovereign credit ratings remain stable. Despite these achievements, Lee stressed that public trust in government and the public sector is crucial for sustaining progress. He warned that without this trust, even impressive economic indicators could collapse. Lee cited Transparency International’s annual Corruption Perceptions Index, noting that South Korea ranked 31st out of 182 countries in terms of integrity. While the country excels in many other areas, this low ranking in integrity was described as somewhat embarrassing. He argued that greater economic and national power should be matched by stricter standards for transparency and public officials' integrity. As public expectations rise, Lee urged a careful examination of outdated practices that might persist under the guise of tradition or historical norms. He expanded the anti-corruption focus beyond the public sector, addressing issues such as local interest manipulation, private sector corruption, and lingering political corruption. Although the political landscape has improved, Lee insisted that no party, ruling or opposition, should be exempt from scrutiny. He advocated for fair and strict enforcement based on clear principles, calling for continued efforts until the public feels genuine change. During the first session, the Ministry of Interior and Safety and the National Police Agency outlined initiatives targeting corruption linked to entrenched local interests. Meanwhile, the Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission and the Public Procurement Service detailed steps to reduce corruption in public procurement processes. In the second session, discussions centered around the misuse of state funds, particularly fraudulent claims for government subsidies, with reports from the Ministry of Planning and Budget, Interior Ministry, and Korea Customs Service. The Justice Ministry and the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport presented measures aimed at preventing improper relationships where former public officials leverage their past roles or connections for personal gain. These presentations underscored the comprehensive approach taken by the administration to address corruption across different sectors and levels of governance. The meeting marked the beginning of a coordinated effort to enhance transparency and accountability throughout the government and related institutions.