The Korea-Africa Foundation, under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, has been found to operate its only official vehicle as a dedicated car for its chairman without any internal regulatory basis. Additionally, it has been employing external drivers as if they were full-time staff, mismanaging related expenses.
According to materials submitted by Representative Kim Jun-hwan of the Democratic Party on October 27, the foundation's 'Guidelines for Managing and Operating Official Vehicles' contain only parking regulations, with no justification for a dedicated vehicle for the head of the organization. Official vehicles are meant to be shared among employees performing public duties, yet the foundation has designated its single vehicle exclusively for the chairman.
Due to the lack of justification for a dedicated vehicle, the foundation has reportedly been using external drivers as if they were dedicated personnel. Specific drivers have been continuously assigned to driving duties, with the foundation covering not only overtime pay but also meal and accommodation expenses, effectively treating it as a driving service. The total amount spent on driver expenses reached 54 million won, with 33 million won last year and 21 million won by August this year.
The method of budget execution has also been deemed inappropriate. The foundation has been spending driver costs from 'general expenses' meant for office supplies and promotional materials, rather than from personnel costs or vehicle service-related categories.
Representative Kim stated, "Operating a dedicated vehicle without any internal regulatory basis and employing external drivers inappropriately using office supply budgets is a serious moral hazard. The operation of this preferential dedicated vehicle, which violates public institution vehicle operation guidelines, must be immediately halted, and the management system and budget execution for official vehicles should be thoroughly reformed to align with their intended purpose."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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