Spokesperson Kang Yoo-jeong's briefing on the National Recommendation System - Deadline June 16 at 6 PM

Introduction to the National Recommendation System

On the morning of June 16, 2025, an official briefing by spokesperson Kang Yu-jeong regarding the National Recommendation System was held in the briefing room of the Yongsan Presidential Office. This briefing was not just a simple explanation of the system or a report on the status of applications. Instead, it served as a philosophical declaration and a blueprint for practical plans, explaining why the government decided to introduce this system and how the people's will can be practically reflected in national affairs going forward.

The Importance of Participation

At the beginning of the briefing, spokesperson Kang expressed gratitude for the explosive participation of the citizens. "Thanks to the high interest and participation of the people, over 70,000 recommendations have been received in just a few days since the implementation of the system. On June 11, the first day of recruitment, more than 11,000 recommendations flooded in," he noted, indicating that this system is not just a simple suggestion box but a platform where the trust and aspirations of the public are gathered. This shows that active citizen participation can be fundamental to social change.

Recommendation Status and Procedures

As of June 15, a total of over 74,000 recommendations have been received, which significantly exceeds the government's expectations. The candidates for recommendation include all senior public office positions that the president can appoint, covering positions from ministers and vice ministers to heads of public institutions, open positions, and essential professionals for specific policy implementations. The spokesperson stated, 'We are determined to discover individuals who may be overlooked by the existing personnel system, local experts who have built their skills in the community, and practical talents who directly engage with the public.'

Accessibility and Recommendation Method

The participation method prioritized the accessibility of the public. Anyone can easily make a recommendation not only through the official website of the Ministry of Personnel Management but also through the President's Office's social media and a dedicated email address. Emphasizing essence over formal procedures, genuine narratives about the candidate's life and character take precedence over specific forms or recommendation letters. The mention by Spokesperson Kang that 'the person who is recommended with the eyes of the people and by the standards of the people is indeed the 'worker' that the public desires' underscores that this system operates based on the trust of the people.

The Importance of the Verification Process

The recommended individuals will not only appear on the list but will also undergo systematic verification and evaluation. Starting with the initial basic review by the Ministry of Personnel Management, background checks and qualification verifications akin to those for high-ranking public officials will be conducted. In addition, there are plans to ensure transparency and fairness through various methods such as a public participation verification group and open discussions. Ultimately, they will be officially selected as candidates under the President's appointment authority after judgments from relevant ministries and the Presidential Office's personnel line.

The Value of Realizing National Sovereignty

Spokesperson Kangs emphasized that the core value of the new system is the realization of "national sovereignty." The statement, "The voices of the people come first, rather than political considerations, and the practical experience of working alongside the people is more important than a formal career," signifies that this system aims to focus on the path that a person has taken rather than the title attached to their name. The citizen recommendation system is not a privilege for someone, but a system where qualified individuals are proposed in the name of the people, and that recommendation becomes a practical starting point for appointments.

Future Developments and Requests

Today, the application deadline will close at 6 PM on June 16. Following this, the verification and organization work is expected to continue throughout the summer, and it cannot be ruled out that some of the recommended individuals may actually be appointed as high-level public officials. Spokesperson Kang made a final request: 'An experiment has begun to create an era where the names recommended by the public can become the nameplates of public officials. We ask for the continued interest of the public so that the system does not remain a one-time event but can be institutionalized.'

Public Participation and Trust

The National Recommendation System is not just a participatory event. It is a declaration to return the starting point of power back to the people, a first step in the practice of ensuring that politics does not become detached from reality, and returning the steering wheel of the nation into the hands of the citizens. Spokesperson Kang Yu-jeong's briefing was an attempt to convey that philosophy not in the language of administration but in the language of the people. Right now, we stand at the threshold of a new era where citizens can directly find and appoint 'real workers.' The key to opening that door is none other than our participation and trust.