South Korea's public sector has recently drawn attention for its sweeping advancements in data management and internal oversight, with Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO) taking center stage for a string of groundbreaking achievements. On December 22, 2025, KEPCO announced it had secured the highest honor at the '2025 Collective Intelligence Verification Test,' an event overseen by the Board of Audit and Inspection (BAI). This marks the second consecutive year that KEPCO has clinched the top prize, making it the first public institution to achieve such a feat since the contest's inception in 2018, according to Busan.com.
The competition, which draws entries from 720 public organizations, aims to recognize exemplary audit cases and foster a culture of transparent governance. This year, 173 organizations submitted their audit programs, with KEPCO’s 'Full-Cycle Performance Audit of Overseas Business' standing out for its innovation, effectiveness, and impact. The BAI's rigorous three-stage evaluation process assessed both the substance and efficiency of each entry, ultimately selecting KEPCO for its outstanding contributions to public sector governance.
KEPCO's rise to the top is no accident. Since March 2023, under the stewardship of Standing Auditor Jeon Young-sang, the company has undergone significant organizational restructuring to strengthen its internal control and risk monitoring systems. This transformation was further bolstered by a collaborative audit with the BAI conducted between September 2023 and January 2024, which provided valuable experience and insight. The result? KEPCO was able to execute its first-ever full-cycle audit of its overseas operations, a move that has since become a benchmark for the industry.
Central to KEPCO's audit success was the adoption of cutting-edge technologies. The company employed open-source intelligence (OSINT) searches, non-storage artificial intelligence (AI) applications, and the expertise of an external advisory committee composed of industry specialists. According to Biz Tribune, these IT-driven audit techniques significantly enhanced both the efficiency and professionalism of the audit process. The results speak for themselves: KEPCO reported savings of roughly 929 billion won, a figure that not only fortifies the company's financial health but also demonstrates the tangible benefits of robust internal controls.
But KEPCO's achievements extend far beyond financial metrics. The audit led to a comprehensive overhaul of internal controls within the company's overseas operations, effectively mitigating management risks and reinforcing the company's reputation for accountability. As Jeon Young-sang, KEPCO’s Standing Auditor, put it, "Winning the top prize at the BAI’s contest for two consecutive years is a testament to the maturity of our internal control systems, especially as we mark the 30th anniversary of KEPCO’s overseas business expansion. We will continue to conduct audits based on reasonable standards and principles to further solidify public trust and fulfill our responsibilities as a public institution contributing to national development."
The accolades didn’t stop there. At the BAI’s awards ceremony, KEPCO’s audit office was also named the top public enterprise in audit activity evaluation among 32 contenders, and received additional honors for outstanding staff and audit professionals. In total, KEPCO took home four major awards, cementing its status as a leader in public sector oversight.
KEPCO’s success is part of a broader movement within South Korea’s public sector to elevate data quality and transparency. On the same day as the BAI announcement, KEPCO revealed it had received the highest grade in the Ministry of Public Administration and Security’s public data quality certification evaluation. Only a select few among the nation’s 685 public institutions have earned this distinction. According to WikiLeaks Korea, KEPCO’s strategy involves not just routine data disclosure, but also meticulous management of metadata and clear explanations to maximize utility for both the private sector and the general public. The company views data as a core asset and is committed to enhancing quality management and expanding data access in parallel.
This dual approach is seen as a calculated response to the rapidly evolving landscape of AI and data-driven industries. By embedding continuous quality checks and fostering private sector engagement, KEPCO is positioning itself—and by extension, South Korea’s public sector—to thrive in an era where information is king. The Ministry’s certification process is no small feat; it involves rigorous scrutiny of data management practices, and only a handful of agencies have managed to consistently meet the highest standards.
Underlying these achievements is a sophisticated intelligence system that monitors and verifies public data usage. South Korea’s intelligence agency reported on December 22, 2025, that it had detected the highest number of public data leaks since the system’s inception, monitoring 685 cases through the Ministry’s certification verification site. This revelation underscores the critical importance of robust data governance and the ongoing need for vigilance in safeguarding public information. The agency, as reported by WikiLeaks Korea, is actively working to expand and improve the certification system, recognizing its pivotal role in the nation’s AI and data industry ambitions.
In tandem, the intelligence agency has been managing approximately 720 collective intelligence verification systems, including those under the Ministry of Public Administration and Security. Over the past two years, the agency has conducted continuous verification, culminating in the successful implementation of the 'Foreign Business Intelligence Verification' system. This process, which spanned from September 2023 to January 2024, involved testing 173 systems through a meticulous three-phase review. The agency leveraged OSINT, AI-based video recognition, and the latest IT techniques to enhance the accuracy and effectiveness of its verifications.
The financial impact of these initiatives is substantial. The intelligence agency reviewed 929 billion won in intelligence effectiveness, confirming the establishment of a robust monitoring system for foreign business internal controls and risk assessment. The agency emphasized that these efforts are vital for national security and for preventing illegal activities within public data systems. The two-year continuous verification process is equivalent to about 30 weeks of foreign business verification and internal system implementation, reflecting the depth and rigor of South Korea’s approach to public sector oversight.
KEPCO’s journey offers a compelling case study in the power of innovation, collaboration, and transparency. By blending cutting-edge technology with seasoned expertise and a relentless focus on accountability, the company has set a new standard for public institutions—not just in South Korea, but globally. As the nation continues to grapple with the challenges and opportunities of the digital age, KEPCO’s example serves as both a roadmap and an inspiration for others seeking to build trust, ensure security, and drive progress in the public interest.
The story of KEPCO’s ascent is a reminder that, even in the complex world of public sector governance, excellence is achievable with the right mix of vision, diligence, and adaptability.
