Audit watchdog flags flawed selection process behind ex-Independence Hall chief's appointment

The Board of Audit and Inspection said Tuesday it had notified the Independence Hall of Korea that the candidate recommendation committee convened in 2024 to appoint then-director Kim Hyong-sok was improperly operated.

The board disclosed the findings through an audit report on the operation of the Independence Hall's executive recommendation committee and the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans' management of research contracts.

According to the board, the Independence Hall formed a seven-member executive recommendation committee in May 2024 to select a new director. The panel reviewed applicants and forwarded three candidates, including Kim, to the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans.

Under the committee's rules, a member must recuse themselves if a candidate comes from the same corporation, organization or school as that member. One member, identified only as "A," had previously worked at the same foundation as Kim but did not recuse themselves despite the direct conflict of interest.

Two other members, identified as "B" and "C," also failed to seek recusal from reviewing separate candidates with whom they had worked at the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans and the Independence Hall, respectively, claiming they did not know those applicants personally.

The Independence Hall asked committee members to fill out recusal declaration forms but did not explain the specific grounds or criteria for recusal.

The board notified the Independence Hall to "handle related procedures thoroughly so as not to invite unnecessary controversy over the fairness of the screening process."

Kim was dismissed in February over allegations that he had privatized the Independence Hall for personal purposes and misused official expense funds. He subsequently filed for an injunction against the government to suspend the dismissal.