Controversial Appointments in Yoon Seok-yeol's Administration

Joo Gi-hwan's controversial appointments highlight nepotism and a lack of expertise in key auditor roles under President Yoon Seok-yeol's administration.

### Controversy Surrounding Joo Gi-hwan's Appointment
Joo Gi-hwan, a former special advisor to President Yoon Seok-yeol, has been appointed as the full-time auditor of a joint asset management company, raising concerns due to his **close relationship with the president** and the **high salary of over 330 million won**. His appointment came shortly after stepping down from the advisory role, and the company's establishment by multiple banks adds to the controversy. The president's connection with Joo and the presence of other prosecutors with similar ties in state-owned enterprises have raised questions about **potential favoritism in hiring**.

### Parachute Appointments in Public Institutions Under Yoon Seok-yeol
Yoon Byeong-hyun, the auditor of the Korea Racing Authority, has a long-standing connection with President Yoon Seok-yeol, dating back to their time as prosecutors. Several auditors in public institutions, all former prosecutors with ties to the president, have been appointed to key roles, raising concerns about their **expertise and the nature of their appointments**. The investigation revealed that **17 out of 206 auditor candidates** during Yoon's first year in office were linked to the presidential campaign or administration, highlighting a pattern of **inconspicuous parachute appointments**.

### Controversial Appointments in the Small and Medium Business Administration
Mr. Park, appointed as a merchant auditor, has a **questionable background with previous convictions** and little evidence of expertise in small and medium enterprises. His social media highlights a **close connection to President Yoon Seok-yeol and the People Power Party**. The appointment process for such positions has raised concerns, with other auditors also having **dubious qualifications and a lack of relevant experience**.

### Political Appointments in Korean Institutions
Many non-executive directors at the Korea Transportation Safety Authority are from the ruling party, with one appointee **flaunting his political connections**. The Small and Medium Business Corporation also has directors with similar political backgrounds, lacking relevant experience in small and medium enterprises. Both institutions show a pattern of **political appointments over qualifications**, raising concerns about their **effectiveness**.

### Concerns Over Non-Executive Director Appointments
Non-executive directors from organizations like Korea Electric Power Corporation and Korea Expressway Corporation have political affiliations. Experts emphasize the need for **transparent disclosure in the appointment process** to ensure qualified candidates. There are concerns about **potential manipulation of the selection process** if a predetermined candidate is involved.

### Controversy Over Auditor Appointments: Connections and Qualifications in the Yoon Seok-yeol Administration
* 🤔 Joo Gi-hwan, a former presidential special advisor and close acquaintance of President Yoon Seok-yeol, has sparked controversy following his appointment as a full-time auditor with a salary **exceeding 330 million won** just a month after leaving his advisory role.
* 📜 The creation of the special advisor position was contentious from the start, and Joo's new role in a quasi-public enterprise is seen as **unrelated to his previous experience in law and advisory capacities**.
* 🏦 The company, established by eight banks, raises questions about the appropriateness of hiring practices, especially since Joo's qualifications do not align with the auditor's responsibilities, which include **corporate restructuring and managing non-performing loans**.
* 🔍 Investigations revealed that among 206 auditor appointments in public institutions during the first year of Yoon's presidency, 17 were linked to the administration, indicating a pattern of **"parachute appointments"** in these less visible roles.
* 📊 Notable figures, including former prosecutors with ties to President Yoon, have also secured auditor positions in various state-owned enterprises, raising concerns about the **influence of personal connections over merit-based hiring**.
* 📉 The average annual salary for auditors in public institutions surpassed **160 million won** last year, with many enjoying **significant benefits and relatively light workloads**, contributing to perceptions of these roles as "**flower positions**."
* ⚖ Experts stress the need for **transparency and proper evaluation criteria** in the appointment process to ensure that individuals with the **right expertise** fill these crucial oversight roles, rather than those chosen for **political connections**.
* 📝 The ongoing scrutiny of these appointments highlights a broader issue of **governance and accountability** within the administration, as questions arise about the **qualifications of those overseeing public institutions**.

"신입인데 연봉 3억 준대요"…대통령 '픽' 한 둘이 아니다 #뉴스다 / JTBC News

뉴스의 현장에서 뵙겠습니다. JTBC News
Welcome to the official JTBC News Channel.

▶ https://news.jtbc.co.kr
