Participation in the National Audit

A document outlining the procedures and methods by which witnesses, references, institutions, and citizens participate in the National Assembly audit, along with the changes observed in 2024–2025.

Participation in the National Audit

Overview

Participation in the National Audit refers to the set of procedures and activities through which witnesses, references, affiliated institutions, stakeholders, and ordinary citizens take part in the National Assembly audit (kukchŏng kamsa, "national inspection") conducted annually by the National Assembly. The National Audit is a core oversight instrument of the National Assembly that verifies the work of the executive branch and public institutions under Article 127 and subsequent articles of the National Assembly Act (국회법), and depending on the mode of participation it is divided into witness testimony, written responses, submission of materials, on-site inspections, and submission of citizen opinions. The quality of participation is assessed as a key variable determining the effectiveness of the audit.

Key Details

1. Legal Basis and Structure of the National Audit

The National Audit is conducted each year during the regular session of the National Assembly (typically September–October), with audited institutions assigned to each standing committee. The audit period is in principle within 20 days, but may be extended by a resolution of the plenary session. Unlike a parliamentary investigation (kukchŏng chosa), the National Audit is held automatically each year and does not require a separate resolution demanding an investigation.

2. Participation as a Witness or Reference

The most typical form of participation is appearing before a committee in the capacity of a witness or a reference.

Witness: Has an obligation to testify to the facts, and may be subject to sanctions such as fines for negligence or criminal referral under the Act on Testimony and Appraisal, etc. before the National Assembly (「국회에서의 증언·감정 등에 관한 법률」) if absent without justifiable cause.
Reference: Unlike a witness, the obligation to appear is relatively weaker, but a reference may appear and provide explanations upon request.
Oath and Testimony: Witnesses testify after taking an oath, and false statements may be subject to the crime of perjury.
Appearance Request Procedure: Witnesses are adopted by committee resolution, and written notice is typically given before the audit begins.

3. Participation by Institutions and Organizations

Public officials of audited institutions and executives and employees of public institutions participate through the submission of materials, status reports, and responses to questioning. In recent years, there has been a growing number of cases in which private companies, associations, and research institutes are summoned as references to verify policy impacts.

4. Indirect Participation by Citizens and Stakeholders

Ordinary citizens participate through the following indirect channels rather than appearing directly as witnesses.

Citizen tips: Delivering reports and submitted materials to National Assembly members' offices and standing committees
Public hearings and debates: Expressing opinions on pending policy issues before and after the audit
Civil society monitoring: Conducting legislative oversight activities after watching live broadcasts of the audit
Online petitions: Raising agenda items through the National Assembly's electronic petition system

5. Effectiveness and Limitations of Participation

Participation in the National Audit contributes to policy verification and the establishment of accountability, but there is also criticism that it degenerates into political confrontation or that the adoption of witnesses is used as a tool of partisan strife. In addition, practices such as evading requests to appear or substituting written responses, and refusals to submit materials, are pointed to as factors that undermine effectiveness.

Recent Trends

Several clear changes have appeared in the environment for participation in the National Audit in 2024–2025.

Expansion of live broadcasting and digital participation: As citizen participation through the National Assembly's internet broadcasting and YouTube live streams has increased, the structure in which key scenes spread in real time and directly influence the formation of public opinion has been strengthened.
Rise of AI and advanced technology issues: There is a clear trend toward large-scale participation by companies and experts in new technologies—such as generative AI, semiconductors, platform regulation, and deepfakes—as witnesses and references.
Digitalization of written responses and material submission: As the submission of materials through electronic document systems has become commonplace, discussions on response speed and the scope of disclosure are proceeding alongside it.
Expansion of the scope of participation: Demands for participation by previously marginalized stakeholders—such as youth groups, consumer groups, and victims' organizations—are growing, and linkages with public hearings centered on the relevant standing committees are increasing.
Controversies over ethics and qualifications: Issues such as the appropriateness of witness adoption, political bias, and the need to strengthen sanctions for non-appearance are being raised continuously.