Global MPM Insight

3. Strengthening Employment Restrictions in the Architecture and Construction Sector Following the 2023 collapse of an underground parking structure at a public apartment complex developed by the Korea Land and Housing Corporation (LH), concerns arose over public–private collusion after many retired public officials were found to be employed by design and supervision firms. In response, on December 12, 2023, relevant ministries, including the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, the Public Procurement Service, and the Ministry of Personnel Management, jointly announced the LH Innovation Plan, introducing competition in public housing construction and strengthening post- employment restrictions in the architecture and construction sector. As a follow-up measure, the MPM pursued amendments to the Public Service Ethics Act and its Enforcement Decree in 2025 to preemptively prevent improper public–private collusion in the architecture and construction sector and to further strengthen public service ethics in areas directly affecting public safety. The key amendments are as follows. 4. Conclusion Through this amendment, employment reviews in the architecture and construction sector are expected to be further strengthened, helping to prevent improper collusion and promote fair competition. Beyond reinforcing public service ethics, these measures are anticipated to enhance the safety and quality of buildings and ultimately protect the lives of the public. The MPM will continue to improve public service ethics to establish a clean and transparent civil service. These efforts are expected to restore public trust and serve as a foundation for building a safer and more transparent society. Procedures for Post-Employment Review of Retired Public Officials Retired public officials • Request for Determination of Employment Restriction (Application for Employment Approval) - Deadline: At least 30 days prior to commencement of employment ‣‣ Required Documents: ❶ Request for Determination of Employment Restriction (Employment Approval Application) ❷ Confirmation of Prospective Employment Affiliated Agency Public Service Related Organization • Preparation of an Opinion on the Employment Approval Request • Submission to the relevant central administrative agency within 5 days Affiliated Central Administrative Agency or Local Government • Verification of employment review institutions and job relevance • Preparation of an opinion on the employment approval request • Submission to the Public Service Ethics Committee within five days Public Service Ethics Committee • Review and examination of submitted materials related to the employment review request. • Determination of whether employment is restricted or approved • Notification of the review results to the applicant, the affiliated central administrative agency, and the head of the affiliated institution ◆ Criteria for Designating Employment Review Institutions in the Architecture and Construction Sector First, in the architecture and construction sector, construction engineering firms and architectural offices engaged in design or supervision work that directly affects public safety are designated as employment review institutions if their annual gross transaction volume exceeds KRW 1 billion, regardless of capital size. Prior to the amendment, employment review institutions were limited to private companies with capital of at least KRW 1 billion and annual gross transaction volume of KRW 10 billion, or companies with capital of at least KRW 100 million and annual gross transaction volume of KRW 100 billion. This change ensures that even small- and medium-sized firms specializing in design and supervision are subject to employment review when their work has a substantive impact on public safety. ◆ Expanded Employment Review Coverage at LH In addition, the scope of post-retirement employment review for LH employees was expanded to include those at Grade 3 and above, from the previous threshold of Grade 2 and above, for a three-year period after retirement. The scope of officials subject to institution-wide, rather than department-based, employment review was also expanded from Grade 1 and above to Grade 2 and above. These changes bring within the system retirees who were in positions with actual potential to exercise influence. 60 Global MPM Insight Vol.5 Strengthening Employment Screening in Public Safety-Critical Sectors 61