South Korea’s Presidential Office and Security Detail See Record High Spending on Labor Costsin 2023
Seoul, August 26,2024 – The Presidential Office and the Presidential Security Service in South Korea saw a record high expenditure on labor costs in 2023,exceeding 100 billion won (approximately $77 million), according to data obtained by Rep. Cha Gyu-geun of the National Assembly’s Budget and Accounts Committee from the Ministry of Economy and Finance. This figure marks a significant increase compared to the previous decade, surpassing the spending in 2014 and 2022 by 51% and 6.8%, respectively.
The data reveals that the Presidential Office and the Security Service spent approximately 100.75 billion won on labor costs in 2023. This figure represents a substantial portion of their overall operating budget, which includes labor costs, material costs, transfer payments, and asset purchases. The total operating budget for 2023 reached 210.75 billion won, marking the highest in the past 10 years. This figure represents a 35% increase compared to 2014 and a 12% increase compared to 2022.
Rep. Cha Gyu-geun expressed concern over the rising operational costs, citing the recent establishment of the Civil Affairs Secretary’s Office within the Presidential Office and the planned creation of a second auxiliary office to support the First Lady. These additions, he argues, are likely to further increase the operational expenses of the Presidential Office and the Security Service.
The surge in labor costs has raised eyebrows among political observers and the public, who are questioning the rationale behind the significant increase. Some critics have pointed to the growing number of staff members and the potentialfor inflated salaries as contributing factors. Others have expressed concerns about the transparency and accountability of the Presidential Office’s spending.
The Presidential Office has not yet issued a statement addressing the concerns raised by Rep. Cha Gyu-geun. However, it is expected to provide further details on the allocation of the labor costsand the rationale behind the increase in the coming days.
This development comes at a time when South Korea is facing economic challenges, including rising inflation and a sluggish economy. The government is under pressure to prioritize spending on essential services and social welfare programs. The high expenditure on labor costs for the Presidential Office and the Security Servicehas sparked debate about the government’s priorities and the need for greater transparency and accountability in public spending.
Background:
The Presidential Office, also known as the Blue House, is the official residence and workplace of the President of South Korea. It is responsible for overseeing the executive branch of the government and implementing thePresident’s policies.
The Presidential Security Service is a specialized agency responsible for protecting the President and other high-ranking officials. It provides security measures for official events, travel, and daily activities.
Key Takeaways:
- The Presidential Office and the Security Service in South Korea saw a record high expenditure on laborcosts in 2023, exceeding 100 billion won.
- This figure represents a significant increase compared to the previous decade, surpassing the spending in 2014 and 2022 by 51% and 6.8%, respectively.
- The increase in laborcosts has raised concerns about the rationale behind the significant expenditure, with critics pointing to the growing number of staff members and potential for inflated salaries.
- The Presidential Office has not yet issued a statement addressing the concerns raised, but is expected to provide further details in the coming days.
- This development comes at a timewhen South Korea is facing economic challenges, raising questions about the government’s priorities and the need for greater transparency and accountability in public spending.
Further Developments:
The South Korean public is closely watching the situation and awaiting further details from the Presidential Office. The National Assembly’s Budget and Accounts Committee is expected tohold hearings on the matter in the coming weeks, during which government officials will be questioned about the allocation of labor costs and the rationale behind the increase.
The outcome of these hearings and the Presidential Office’s response will likely shape public opinion on the issue and potentially influence future government spending decisions.
【来源】https://cn.yna.co.kr/view/ACK20240826000800881?section=politics/index&input=rss
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