The Government Public Officials Ethics Committee has disclosed the assets of 73 high-ranking public officials, with Ko Sung-gyoo, director of the Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine, emerging as the wealthiest current public servant with over 23.55 billion won in assets.

The Government Public Officials Ethics Committee released detailed asset change information for 73 high-ranking public officials who experienced personnel changes such as inauguration, promotion, or retirement between April 2 and May 1. Among them, Ko Sung-gyoo, director of the Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine, was the most affluent current public official. He reported total assets of approximately 2.355 billion won, boasting an overwhelming wealth scale. Director Ko's assets comprised approximately 13.808 billion won in real estate under his and his spouse's names, including apartments in Apgujeong-dong, Gangnam-gu and commercial buildings and offices in Sinsa-dong, 5.59 billion won in deposits, and 3.89 billion won in securities.

Following Director Ko, Kim Jong-oh, president of Korea National Open University, reported 9.876 billion won, and Kim Wol-yong, director of the National Institute for Lifelong Education, reported 9.471 billion won, joining the ranks of assets in the tens of billions. Additionally, Shin Hyun-sung, governor of the Bank of Korea, ranked high by disclosing assets of 8.224 billion won.

In particular, Jang Han-na, president of the Seoul Arts Center, garnered special attention for disclosing the most unique asset portfolio in this round. President Jang reported total assets of approximately 7.817 billion won, which notably included high-value artworks and instruments such as cellos and cello bows worth approximately 1.37 billion won and a Steinway piano valued at approximately 133 million won.

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In the retiree category, Kang Jung-gu, former director of the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service, drew attention by reporting the largest assets of approximately 7.23 billion won. In particular, jewelry items totaling 19 pieces valued at approximately 110 million won registered under his spouse's name garnered notice.

Besides former Director Kang, Kim Kyoo-chul, former director of the Housing and Land Division of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, reported 6.163 billion won, and Lee Chang-yong, former governor of the Bank of Korea, reported 5.484 billion won in assets, indicating that retired high-ranking public officials also hold substantial wealth. Ha Jeong-woo, former Senior Secretary for AI Future Planning at the Presidential Secretariat, disclosed assets of approximately 4.395 billion won.

This disclosure of high-ranking public officials' assets is expected to serve as an important opportunity to enhance transparency in public service and fulfill the public's right to information. The disclosed materials are anticipated to reaffirm the sense of responsibility among public officials while leading to continued public interest in how these officials have accumulated their wealth.