Global MPM Insight

2. Protection and Support for Proactive Public Officials To address this, the Ministry of Personnel Management worked to alleviate concerns over ex post accountability among public officials engaged in proactive administration and to strengthen protection and support systems. In particular, reinforcing the protection and support framework for proactive administration was designated as a national policy task, and institutional arrangements were completed through timely legislative amendments. First, the presumption of immunity for actions taken in accordance with opinions issued by Proactive Administration Committees - reflecting the views of audit departments - was expanded to cover audits conducted by the Board of Audit and Inspection. Previously, such immunity applied only to internal audits, while reviews by the Board of Audit and Inspection were limited to recommendations. Under the revised framework, immunity is now also presumed in audits conducted by the Board of Audit and Inspection. Second, each institution designated a Proactive Administration Protection Officer to provide one-stop support, including legal consultation and litigation assistance, for public officials facing internal or external accountability issues arising from proactive administration. In addition, a new procedure was established to allow Proactive Administration Committee opinions to be submitted to investigative authorities when public officials are subject to criminal complaints or charges related to proactive actions. Third, in cases reviewed by the Proactive Administration Committee that result in acquittal, the scope of litigation support for public officials engaged in proactive administration - including attorney’s fees - was expanded to cover all stages from criminal investigation through trial. Although costs had been covered under the Public Officials Liability Insurance, limitations such as annual per-person caps and policy exclusions necessitated supplementary measures, leading to the reinforcement and expansion of support. Fourth, a special provision was introduced for disaster and safety officials to allow exemption from disciplinary decisions through ex post review. Previously, such exemptions were granted only when actions followed prior review by an institution-level Proactive Administration Committee. Recognizing that prior review is often impracticable in urgent disaster situations, the system was revised to permit exemption through ex post approval by the Committee. 3. Conclusion Proactive administration is not about exceeding rules, but a core civil service value in which public officials apply creativity and professional expertise to enhance the public’s quality of life. With institutional protection mechanisms now in place, an environment is being created in which public officials can perform their duties with confidence, free from undue hesitation. Over time, these efforts will translate into tangible improvements in the quality of administrative services experienced by citizens. 적극행정 54 Global MPM Insight Vol.5 55 Strengthening Protection and Support Systems for Proactive Public Officials