[Exclusive] Pro-Lee Seung-man appointed to 110 million won annual salary position... MCST abruptly withdraws open recruitment system

[Exclusive] Pro-Lee Seung-man appointed to 110 million won annual salary position... MCST abruptly withdraws open recruitment system
Seo Seung-man, the new CEO of the National Jeongdong Theater, is speaking about his inauguration impressions and operational direction during a press conference at the National Jeongdong Theater Cecil in Jung-gu, Seoul, on the afternoon of September 22. News1
It has been confirmed that the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (MCST), which had originally been promoting the "Open Recruitment System for Heads of National Arts Organizations," abruptly withdrew the system during the process of appointing comedian Seo Seung-man—who has publicly supported Lee Jae-myung—as the CEO of the National Jeongdong Theater. The Jeongdong Theater is a public performance venue under the MCST, and the CEO position has an annual salary of 110 million won.
According to the "Appointment of Jeongdong Theater CEO" data submitted to the National Assembly's Culture, Sports and Tourism Committee by Rep. Jeong Yeon-uk of the People Power Party on the 21st, the MCST announced in May last year that it would introduce an open recruitment and verification system for heads of national arts organizations. The intent was to resolve fairness controversies by moving away from appointment methods that relied on unofficial recommendations and instead using open competition that anyone could apply for.
However, in April this year, 11 months after the announcement, the MCST appointed Mr. Seo as the CEO of the Jeongdong Theater without conducting the open recruitment process. Regarding this, the MCST explained, "We reviewed the implementation of the open recruitment reform plan, but we appointed (Mr. Seo) to ensure smooth institutional operation, such as minimizing the vacancy period for the head of the organization."
[Screenshot of Seo Seung-man's Facebook]
Rep. Jeong Yeon-uk criticized this, calling it a "reward-based/code appointment" that was forced through even by overturning the system the ministry had been promoting for transparent appointment procedures. The pro-government leaning CEO Seo has continued to take active steps in supporting President Lee in the past and has sometimes been embroiled in controversy. In September 2021, when the "Daejang-dong development project preferential treatment allegations" surfaced during President Lee's tenure as Governor of Gyeonggi Province, he faced fierce criticism for writing on his Facebook, "The Daejang-dong development was praised even abroad," and "I hope those who chew on Daejang-dong get colon cancer out of jealousy after the presidential election is over."
https://n.news.naver.com/mnews/article/025/0003559420?sid=100