North Gyeongsang lawmaker calls for special audit of Gyeongbuk Happiness Foundation

North Gyeongsang Provincial Assembly member Park Chae-a (Gyeongsan 3, People Power Party) has urged the provincial government to launch a special audit into a series of allegations surrounding the Gyeongbuk Happiness Foundation.

During an administrative audit of the foundation on Tuesday, Park raised concerns about allegations related to the work conduct of the foundation's chief executive, Jeong Jae-hun, as well as tips submitted by residents. Park said an objective and thorough investigation by the North Gyeongsang Province audit office was needed.

Park said the facts must be clearly established, given that questions about the foundation's management and various allegations have continued to surface through provincial assembly interpellations and other channels in recent months.

"Allegations surrounding the operation of a public institution — including questions about the chief executive's conduct — keep mounting, and thorough verification is necessary," Park said. "The North Gyeongsang Province audit office should investigate the residents' tips and the allegations through a special audit, and if any unlawful or improper conduct is confirmed, those responsible must be held accountable."

Park then called on the provincial government again to conduct a fair and thorough audit, saying a special audit "is not about prejudging wrongdoing, but about objectively verifying the allegations that have been raised and correcting whatever has gone wrong."