Average Tenure of Education Ministry Officials Is Less Than a Year

There has been criticism of the poor level of professionalism represented by the short tenures of Ministry of Education officials in the participatory government, such as the average tenure of ministers and vice ministers being 8 months and 1 year, respectively.

According to government inspection data released by National Assembly Education Committee-affiliated Democratic Labor Party member Choi Sun-yeong on October 1, since the start of the current participatory government, there have been five education ministers who have each stayed in office for an average of 8.1 months.

Former Deputy Prime Minister and Education Minister Lee Ki-joon turned in his letter of resignation after just 57 hours in office due to his holding a double-position as trustee outside the company and his son’s evasion of military service, and held the education minister title for the six days it took to process his resignation afterward. Former Deputy Prime Minister and Education Minister Kim Byeong-joon was a close second at 14 days. Former Deputy Prime Minister Kim Jin-pyo served for 17 months and 29 days, the longest of the group.

The reason why ministerial tenures are so short is because of political aspects, and because they require more scrupulous morality and ethics than other government agencies.

The average tenure for the government’s four vice ministers was 12.8 months. Former Vice Minister Lee Ki-woo resigned in 43 days because of the “Independence Day Golfing” controversy, while former Vice Minister Kim Yeong-shik held office for 18 months and 12 days, the longest tenure.

It was discovered that half of all education ministry directors and managers who took charge of policy making were also unable to serve for even a year.

37 directors averaged 13.8 months in office. Those who managed to serve six to 12 months and 12 to 18 months made up the majority, with 14 (37.84%) from each group falling in those ranges.

100 mangers stayed for an average of 15.1 months, but the bulk (21 percent under six months, 29 percent between six to 12 months) was unable to serve out a year.

Lawmaker Choi said, “Consistent execution is important for education policies, but because of constant personnel changes, the level of professionalism has dropped. Instead of one to two year appointments, we must raise the level of professionalism and responsibility through a special appointment.”

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