KEPCO CEO selection process reset after candidate disqualification

The selection process for the next CEO of Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO) has returned to the initial stages following the disqualification of a leading candidate. Kim Young-rok, a former governor, failed to pass the mandatory employment suitability screening for retired public officials.

Under the Public Service Ethics Act, high-ranking former officials must undergo a screening process to ensure their new employment does not conflict with duties performed during their final five years in office. Following the decision by the Public Institutions Management Committee to restart the recruitment process, KEPCO must begin a new public call for candidates.

As a result, the current CEO, Kim Dong-cheol, is expected to extend his term until the end of the year to prevent a leadership vacuum. This delay occurs as KEPCO faces significant challenges, including managing over 210 trillion won in cumulative debt, restructuring power generation subsidiaries, and expanding the national power grid infrastructure.