The presidential office will strengthen the department for monitoring the activities of high-level government officials. The move appears to be aimed at placing officials under closer scrutiny in light of the ruling bloc’s increased influence following its sweeping victory in the June 13 local elections. 

According to a Cheong Wa Dae official, the presidential office plans to increase the number of officials in the inspection team under the senior secretary for civil affairs.

The presidential office did not reveal the scope of the expansion, but it is speculated that the inspection team will see the addition of three or four officials. At present the team consists of about 15 individuals.

The inspection team, which comprises officials from the police, prosecution and the Board of Audit and Inspection, is responsible for monitoring high-level government officials and those with special links to the president for possible irregularities and criminal activities.

Individuals monitored by the team include the president’s family and heads of state organizations appointed by the president.

Elected officials, such as heads of local governments, do not come under the team’s jurisdiction. The team does not have investigative authority, but can refer cases or request criminal investigations to be conducted.

A high-level Cheong Wa Dae official commented that the plan reflects “the increased need to monitor (the ruling bloc) as the power wielded by the ruling bloc has expanded.”

The move falls in line with President Moon Jae-in’s comment at a meeting with his top aides on June 18.

At the time, Moon requested the civil affairs secretary to strengthen related activities, and to play “the villain” in inspecting Cheong Wa Dae and the government. At the meeting, Moon also requested the civil affairs office to prevent moral laxity in local governments.

By Choi He-suk (cheesuk@heraldcorp.com)