Global MPM Insight

‘Revitalizing the Public Referral System through the Expansion of “ Targeted Nomination” In December, MPM amended and implemented the Regulations on the Collection and Management of Information on Candidates for Public Office (Presidential Decree), clarifying positions subject to the Public Referral System and its procedures. The amendment established the legal basis for “Targeted Nomination,” allowing public nominations for designated positions within a specified period. Upon request from the head of a relevant ministry or agency, MPM receives nominations through the website and provides the compiled results to the requesting agency, which may use them in its personnel process and must report the outcome to MPM. This institutionalization of “Targeted Nomination” moves beyond the previous open-ended framework and strengthens the foundation for revitalizing the Public Referral System. In addition, the Public Referral System will undergo a user-centered redesign this year. Planned improvements include securing higher-quality nomination data to enable substantive recommendations, establishing a structured framework for analyzing and utilizing nomination outcomes, and enhancing participatory, interactive UI/UX. These measures aim to further strengthen and revitalize the system. The government seeks to harness the wisdom of the people to build a capable administration that enhances national well-being, creating a virtuous cycle. This is the ultimate objective of the Public Referral System. Through the valued recommendations of each citizen, Korea can bring together its collective talent to build a more competent and compassionate government. OpenRecommend) , and sel f-nominat ion is permi tted. Recommenders must ver i fy the nominee’s relevant qualifications and provide basic information on both the nominee and themselves, along with the reason for nomination. Self- nominees are required to submit detailed personal informat ion. For recommended candidates, MPM verifies eligibility and obtains consent for the provision of personal information before registration in the NHRDB. Registered candidates are subsequently utilized in appointment processes across government agencies. Key Information of the Public Referral System • Individuals with proven expertise who can contribute to national development • Open to both third-party and self- nominations Eligible Candidates • NHRDB Public Referral System website → Submi t Nominat ion → Ident i ty Verification → Application Submission • Submissions by mail, fax, or email are also accepted Nomination Process • Cand i da t es f o r spec i f i c pub l i c positions: political appointees, open positions, heads and executives of public institutions, and members of government committees • Experts by field: 31 sectors including economy and finance, education, environment, science and technology, and culture and arts Nomination Categories • Registered in the NHRDB following fact verification, suitability review, and consent procedures • Actively recommended as candidates for key government positions and committee memberships upon request from relevant state institutions Utilization and Management Over the past decade, the Public Referral System has contributed to identifying talent across diverse sectors. In 2025, it entered a new phase. In June, the “Project to Identify Dedicated Public Servants” was launched to receive nominations for a wide range of presidential appointees, including ministers and vice ministers, thereby strengthening its role as a personnel mechanism supporting a people-centered administration. The activation of the Public Referral System was also designated a key task under MPM’s national policy agenda, “Realizing a Vibrant Public Service Based on Loyalty, Competence, and Integrity” Accordingly, the system is being positioned not only as a talent identification tool but as a practical instrument for democratizing personnel administration. “ Your Referral Shapes the Future of Korea ” Expanded Use of Public Referral System • Upon request from relevant institutions, recommend suitable candidates from the NHRDB, including individuals nominated through the Public Referral System Manage and Utilize Recommended Talents • Requesting institution utilizes nominations in the personnel process and reports the outcome to MPM Utilize Recommended Talents Open Nomination Targeted Nomination Receive Recommendation via Public Referral System • Relevant institution head requests nominations from MPM Agency Request • Talent recommendation via the Public Referral System website (self- or third-party nominations) • Nominations by professional associations • Registration upon suitability review in accordance with established criteria • Verification of prior registration and addition of new candidates • Confirmation of consent for personal information provision Register to the NHRDB • MPM receives public referrals for a designated period and provides the results Public Referral Submission Expansion 46 Global MPM Insight Vol.5 Public Referral System, Personnel Management System 47 Public Referral System