Gijang County in Busan has launched a special investigation to comprehensively review the legality of various projects it has previously pursued and the appropriateness of its budget execution. The aim is to preemptively block suspicions of corruption and preferential treatment, and to raise administrative transparency by establishing an oversight system in which residents directly participate through reporting.
Gijang County said it held a launch ceremony for the "Task Force for the Comprehensive Investigation of Suspected Corruption and Wasteful Projects" at the county office on the 29th and began full-scale investigative activities.
The task force is a dedicated organization headed by the deputy county mayor, with the head of the audit team serving as vice head. Officials from the administrative, civil engineering, and construction fields participate, conducting investigations covering the full range of projects the county is pursuing or has completed.
The subjects of the investigation include the legality of project implementation, the appropriateness of budget execution, whether there was preferential treatment or intervention in vested interests, and whether budget spending was wasteful. It will also examine project implementation procedures, compliance with relevant laws, and whether there was any improper administrative handling. If any illegal or improper matters are confirmed, the county plans to take action in accordance with relevant laws while also pursuing institutional improvements.
The county is also expanding resident participation. It will open a "Resident Reporting" channel for suspected corruption and wasteful projects on the county website, and will accept tips through the county newsletter, social networking services (SNS), and telephone. Submitted content will be reflected in the investigation after the facts are verified.
County Mayor Woo Sung-bin said, "The county budget is a precious resource belonging to all 180,000 residents, so it must be used only for the residents." He added, "We will thoroughly investigate projects suspected of corruption and preferential treatment, and if illegal or improper matters are confirmed, we will take strict action so that residents' hard-earned tax money is not wasted, carrying out responsible county administration."
