South Korea's Board of Audit and Inspection admits to past audit abuses

The Board of Audit and Inspection (BAI) of South Korea has released an internal investigation finding that its previous audits targeting the Moon Jae-in administration involved abuses of power. The findings specifically cite instances of coercive investigations, the recording of false statements, and illegal digital forensics during audits related to real estate statistics and the death of a civil servant in the West Sea.

In response to these findings, the BAI has recommended heavy disciplinary actions, including dismissal or removal, for 10 officials and has referred investigation materials regarding 10 others to the National Investigation Headquarters. This has sparked intense political conflict: the Democratic Party labeled the previous actions as “fabricated audits” and “crimes against the constitutional order,” while the People Power Party criticized the decision as a “declaration of submission” to the current administration that undermines the institution's independence.

Separately, during its 78th anniversary, BAI Chairperson Kim Ho-cheol announced a major organizational restructuring aimed at restoring public trust. The plan includes shifting the audit paradigm toward “enhancing public benefit” and establishing new departments, such as a Climate and Environment Audit Bureau and a Strategic Planning Office. The restructuring seeks to move away from excessive policy audits and strengthen internal controls and responses to national challenges like the climate crisis.