Deputy Chairman Jeong Seung-yoon of the Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission speaks to reporters at the government complex building in Seoul, May 8. Yonhap

The state anti-corruption agency said Wednesday that it has referred 68 individuals allegedly involved in hiring irregularities at public organizations last year for further investigation and potential penalties.

The Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission disclosed the results of its investigation into the hiring processes of all employees recruited by approximately 1,400 public service-related organizations in 2023, and identified 867 instances where fairness was compromised.

The commission also reported that 181 suspected cases of hiring irregularities were brought to its attention through its in-house center established in January 2023, with 66 of them being referred to investigative and supervisory agencies.

"We are concentrating all our efforts to successfully pursue the national task of eradicating hiring corruption," Deputy Chairman Jeong Seung-yoon told reporters, emphasizing its goal to ensure fairness for younger generations seeking employment in the public sector.

In a separate investigation, the agency uncovered widespread hiring irregularities within the National Election Commission (NEC), which was previously embroiled in a high-profile nepotism scandal last year.

Following suspicions that several children of former and current senior officials at the election watchdog secured positions through familial influence, the commission formed a special investigation team and conducted a thorough three-month on-site inquiry.

The commission said it has filed complaints against 28 individuals suspected of engaging in repeated or habitual irregular employment practices and has requested investigations into the remaining 312 cases.

The NEC has faced criticism over allegations that certain individuals secured positions within the agency due to their familial connections, and were given jobs through "daddy chance." (Yonhap)