A fair investigation is necessary

The Seoul Metropolitan government announced that it would embark on a comprehensive investigation of all public institutions — four immediate umbrella corporations, 18 reinvested entities, and six public organizations — through the end of January.

The focus will be on illegalities and irregularities in their recruitment and promotions in the irregular work force. Allegations of nepotism have generated an uproar, especially for young jobseekers whose demographic’s unemployment rate hovers just above 20 percent. The Seoul government must ensure that the investigation is not carried out merely as a formality.

The investigation was triggered by a suspicious promotion at Seoul Metro, which is responsible for eight subway lines across the capital. The latest promotion of contract workers to full-timers benefited 112 people with family ties to current employees. Seoul Metro and its unit will be excluded from the latest probe as their investigation is separate. The probe will look into recruitment over the last five years and the promotion of contract and agency workers since October last year.

If the probe is conducted in any suspicious way, it will only add doubts about the city government currently operating under the three-term mayor. Public institution jobs are desired by all jobseekers.

The investigation and findings therefore must be unquestionably fair and convincing. The latest campaign in Seoul should be the starting point of investigations into hiring practices at all public institutions.

JoongAng Ilbo, Nov. 15, Page 30