HOME RULE OF SEOUL, KOREA The government administration of Korea is centralized at the national level. There is, however, a certain degree of self-government on the local level. The principle of self-government is expressed in Article 96 of the Constitution of 1948 which provides that "local autonomous bodies shall, within the scope of laws and orders, perform their administration and such additional acts as are delegated to them by the State, and shall manage their property within the same scope." In 1949, to implement the above constitutional provisions, the Local Autonomy Law 1/ was enacted for the purpose of developing democratic administration by permitting the local residents, under the supervision of the State, to administer their local affairs. After the military revolution of 1961, the military regime made a substantial change in the direction of greater centralization in the Local Autonomy Law. Under the Temporary Measures Law concerning Local Autonomy 2/ of that year, autonomous bodies are divided into two categories: provinces and Seoul Special City as higher local entities and the cities and counties as lower local bodies. The province embraces lower entities such as cities and counties within its boundaries. However, Seoul Special City does not have such lower entities within it. The nine wards which exist in Seoul Special City are but one of the administrative ---------- 1/ Law No. 32, July 4, 1949. 2/ Law No. 707, September 1, 1961. HOME RULE OF SEOUL, KOREA The government administration of Korea is centralized at the national level. There is, however, a certain degree of self-government on the local level. The principle of self-government is expressed in Article 96 of the Constitution of 1948 which provides that "local autonomous bodies shall, within the scope of laws and orders, perform their administration and such additional acts as are delegated to them by the State, and shall manage their property within the same scope." In 1949, to implement the above constitutional provisions, the Local Autonomy Law 1/ was enacted for the purpose of developing democratic administration by permitting the local residents, under the supervision of the State, to administer their local affairs. After the military revolution of 1961, the military regime made a substantial change in the direction of greater centralization in the Local Autonomy Law. Under the Temporary Measures Law concerning Local Autonomy 2/ of that year, autonomous bodies are divided into two categories: provinces and Seoul Special City as higher local entities and the cities and counties as lower local bodies. The province embraces lower entities such as cities and counties within its boundaries. However, Seoul Special City does not have such lower entities within it. The nine wards which exist in Seoul Special City are but one of the administrative ---------- 1/ Law No. 32, July 4, 1949. 2/ Law No. 707, September 1, 1961. HOME RULE OF SEOUL, KOREA The government administration of Korea is centralized at the national level. There is, however, a certain degree of self-government on the local level. The principle of self-government is expressed in Article 96 of the Constitution of 1948 which provides that "local autonomous bodies shall, within the scope of laws and orders, perform their administration and such additional acts as are delegated to them by the State, and shall manage their property within the same scope." In 1949, to implement the above constitutional provisions, the Local Autonomy Law 1/ was enacted for the purpose of developing democratic administration by permitting the local residents, under the supervision of the State, to administer their local affairs. After the military revolution of 1961, the military regime made a substantial change in the direction of greater centralization in the Local Autonomy Law. Under the Temporary Measures Law concerning Local Autonomy 2/ of that year, autonomous bodies are divided into two categories: provinces and Seoul Special City as higher local entities and the cities and counties as lower local bodies. The province embraces lower entities such as cities and counties within its boundaries. However, Seoul Special City does not have such lower entities within it. The nine wards which exist in Seoul Special City are but one of the administrative ---------- 1/ Law No. 32, July 4, 1949. 2/ Law No. 707, September 1, 1961. HOME RULE OF SEOUL, KOREA The government administration of Korea is centralized at the national level. There is, however, a certain degree of self-government on the local level. The principle of self-government is expressed in Article 96 of the Constitution of 1948 which provides that "local autonomous bodies shall, within the scope of laws and orders, perform their administration and such additional acts as are delegated to them by the State, and shall manage their property within the same scope." In 1949, to implement the above constitutional provisions, the Local Autonomy Law 1/ was enacted for the purpose of developing democratic administration by permitting the local residents, under the supervision of the State, to administer their local affairs. After the military revolution of 1961, the military regime made a substantial change in the direction of greater centralization in the Local Autonomy Law. Under the Temporary Measures Law concerning Local Autonomy 2/ of that year, autonomous bodies are divided into two categories: provinces and Seoul Special City as higher local entities and the cities and counties as lower local bodies. The province embraces lower entities such as cities and counties within its boundaries. However, Seoul Special City does not have such lower entities within it. The nine wards which exist in Seoul Special City are but one of the administrative ---------- 1/ Law No. 32, July 4, 1949. 2/ Law No. 707, September 1, 1961. HOME RULE OF SEOUL, KOREA The government administration of Korea is centralized at the national level. There is, however, a certain degree of self-government on the local level. The principle of self-government is expressed in Article 96 of the Constitution of 1948 which provides that "local autonomous bodies shall, within the scope of laws and orders, perform their administration and such additional acts as are delegated to them by the State, and shall manage their property within the same scope." In 1949, to implement the above constitutional provisions, the Local Autonomy Law 1/ was enacted for the purpose of developing democratic administration by permitting the local residents, under the supervision of the State, to administer their local affairs. After the military revolution of 1961, the military regime made a substantial change in the direction of greater centralization in the Local Autonomy Law. Under the Temporary Measures Law concerning Local Autonomy 2/ of that year, autonomous bodies are divided into two categories: provinces and Seoul Special City as higher local entities and the cities and counties as lower local bodies. The province embraces lower entities such as cities and counties within its boundaries. However, Seoul Special City does not have such lower entities within it. The nine wards which exist in Seoul Special City are but one of the administrative ---------- 1/ Law No. 32, July 4, 1949. 2/ Law No. 707, September 1, 1961. - 2 - subdivisions of the national government over which Seoul Special City does not have jurisdiction in the administration of local self-government. Seoul is the capital city of the Republic of Korea. As of November 15, 1962, its population was 2,940,736. 3/ Its home rule is governed by the Local Autonomy Law, the Temporary Measures law concerning Local Autonomy, and the Special Measures Law concerning Administration of Seoul Special City. 4/ In Seoul, there is an executive organ headed by the mayor, who is appointed by the Prime Minister with the approval of the Supreme Council for National Reconstruction, 5/ and a City Council consisting of elected members. 6/ Seoul as a juridical person manages the local public affairs and affairs entrusted to it by law, and may enact by-laws concerning its own affairs within the scope of the law. 7/ The mayor of Seoul Special City administers the following local affairs and other affairs delegated to him by the Local Autonomy Law: Article 103. The head of a local autonomous entity shall manage and execute the following affairs pertaining to local autonomous entity and affairs entrusted to him by law: 1. Execution of affairs the expense of which is to be defrayed by the local autonomous entity, and disposition of general business; 2. Presentation of bills on matters which require the resolution of the city council; ---------- 3/ Hanai tonggin, vol. 3, no. 95, 1963. 4/ Law No. 1015, January 27, 1962. 5/ Article 12 of Extraordinary Measures Law concerning National Reconstruction, June 6, 1961. 6/ Article 12 of Law No. 32 7/ Articles 3 and 7 of Law No. 32.- 2 - subdivisions of the national government over which Seoul Special City does not have jurisdiction in the administration of local self-government. Seoul is the capital city of the Republic of Korea. As of November 15, 1962, its population was 2,940,736. 3/ Its home rule is governed by the Local Autonomy Law, the Temporary Measures law concerning Local Autonomy, and the Special Measures Law concerning Administration of Seoul Special City. 4/ In Seoul, there is an executive organ headed by the mayor, who is appointed by the Prime Minister with the approval of the Supreme Council for National Reconstruction, 5/ and a City Council consisting of elected members. 6/ Seoul as a juridical person manages the local public affairs and affairs entrusted to it by law, and may enact by-laws concerning its own affairs within the scope of the law. 7/ The mayor of Seoul Special City administers the following local affairs and other affairs delegated to him by the Local Autonomy Law: Article 103. The head of a local autonomous entity shall manage and execute the following affairs pertaining to local autonomous entity and affairs entrusted to him by law: 1. Execution of affairs the expense of which is to be defrayed by the local autonomous entity, and disposition of general business; 2. Presentation of bills on matters which require the resolution of the city council; ---------- 3/ Hanai tonggin, vol. 3, no. 95, 1963. 4/ Law No. 1015, January 27, 1962. 5/ Article 12 of Extraordinary Measures Law concerning National Reconstruction, June 6, 1961. 6/ Article 12 of Law No. 32 7/ Articles 3 and 7 of Law No. 32.- 2 - subdivisions of the national government over which Seoul Special City does not have jurisdiction in the administration of local self-government. Seoul is the capital city of the Republic of Korea. As of November 15, 1962, its population was 2,940,736. 3/ Its home rule is governed by the Local Autonomy Law, the Temporary Measures law concerning Local Autonomy, and the Special Measures Law concerning Administration of Seoul Special City. 4/ In Seoul, there is an executive organ headed by the mayor, who is appointed by the Prime Minister with the approval of the Supreme Council for National Reconstruction, 5/ and a City Council consisting of elected members. 6/ Seoul as a juridical person manages the local public affairs and affairs entrusted to it by law, and may enact by-laws concerning its own affairs within the scope of the law. 7/ The mayor of Seoul Special City administers the following local affairs and other affairs delegated to him by the Local Autonomy Law: Article 103. The head of a local autonomous entity shall manage and execute the following affairs pertaining to local autonomous entity and affairs entrusted to him by law: 1. Execution of affairs the expense of which is to be defrayed by the local autonomous entity, and disposition of general business; 2. Presentation of bills on matters which require the resolution of the city council; ---------- 3/ Hanai tonggin, vol. 3, no. 95, 1963. 4/ Law No. 1015, January 27, 1962. 5/ Article 12 of Extraordinary Measures Law concerning National Reconstruction, June 6, 1961. 6/ Article 12 of Law No. 32 7/ Articles 3 and 7 of Law No. 32.- 2 - subdivisions of the national government over which Seoul Special City does not have jurisdiction in the administration of local self-government. Seoul is the capital city of the Republic of Korea. As of November 15, 1962, its population was 2,940,736. 3/ Its home rule is governed by the Local Autonomy Law, the Temporary Measures law concerning Local Autonomy, and the Special Measures Law concerning Administration of Seoul Special City. 4/ In Seoul, there is an executive organ headed by the mayor, who is appointed by the Prime Minister with the approval of the Supreme Council for National Reconstruction, 5/ and a City Council consisting of elected members. 6/ Seoul as a juridical person manages the local public affairs and affairs entrusted to it by law, and may enact by-laws concerning its own affairs within the scope of the law. 7/ The mayor of Seoul Special City administers the following local affairs and other affairs delegated to him by the Local Autonomy Law: Article 103. The head of a local autonomous entity shall manage and execute the following affairs pertaining to local autonomous entity and affairs entrusted to him by law: 1. Execution of affairs the expense of which is to be defrayed by the local autonomous entity, and disposition of general business; 2. Presentation of bills on matters which require the resolution of the city council; ---------- 3/ Hanai tonggin, vol. 3, no. 95, 1963. 4/ Law No. 1015, January 27, 1962. 5/ Article 12 of Extraordinary Measures Law concerning National Reconstruction, June 6, 1961. 6/ Article 12 of Law No. 32 7/ Articles 3 and 7 of Law No. 32.- 2 - subdivisions of the national government over which Seoul Special City does not have jurisdiction in the administration of local self-government. Seoul is the capital city of the Republic of Korea. As of November 15, 1962, its population was 2,940,736. 3/ Its home rule is governed by the Local Autonomy Law, the Temporary Measures law concerning Local Autonomy, and the Special Measures Law concerning Administration of Seoul Special City. 4/ In Seoul, there is an executive organ headed by the mayor, who is appointed by the Prime Minister with the approval of the Supreme Council for National Reconstruction, 5/ and a City Council consisting of elected members. 6/ Seoul as a juridical person manages the local public affairs and affairs entrusted to it by law, and may enact by-laws concerning its own affairs within the scope of the law. 7/ The mayor of Seoul Special City administers the following local affairs and other affairs delegated to him by the Local Autonomy Law: Article 103. The head of a local autonomous entity shall manage and execute the following affairs pertaining to local autonomous entity and affairs entrusted to him by law: 1. Execution of affairs the expense of which is to be defrayed by the local autonomous entity, and disposition of general business; 2. Presentation of bills on matters which require the resolution of the city council; ---------- 3/ Hanai tonggin, vol. 3, no. 95, 1963. 4/ Law No. 1015, January 27, 1962. 5/ Article 12 of Extraordinary Measures Law concerning National Reconstruction, June 6, 1961. 6/ Article 12 of Law No. 32 7/ Articles 3 and 7 of Law No. 32.- 3- 3. Management and supervision of properties and public facilities; 4. Orders for receipts and disbursements and supervision of accounts; 5. Custody of certificates and public documents; 6. Imposition or collection of charges for use, fees, local taxes, allotments, admission fees, labor or goods; 7. Other matters which belong to his jurisdiction by law. The affairs delegated to Seoul Special City as a local public entity should be distinguished from those delegated to the Mayor of Seoul Special City as an agent of the national government. In any instance, the national government is responsible for expenditures. 8/ In reference to the duties of the city council Article 19 of the Local Autonomy Law provides: Article 19. A local council, as the organ of resolution for an autonomous organization, shall pass legislation on the following matters: 1. Enactment, amendment, or repeal of by-laws; 2. Resolution on the budget; 3. Examination and approval of statements of accounts; 4. Matters pertaining to charges for use, fees, local taxes, allotments, admission fees, enforcement of labor, and requisition and collection of goods, except those provided for in laws or Cabinet Decrees; 5. Matters pertaining to establishment, management or disposition of fundamental properties, or reserve funds or grains; 6. Acquisition and disposal of fundamental properties and other important properties; 7. Matters pertaining to establishment, management, or disposition of public welfare facilities; 8. Disbursement beyond the limit of the budget and abandonment of rights; 9. Administrative dispute or litigation, or settlement involving the local public entity as a party; 10. Decisions of the amount for indemnity or loss compensation obligated under law; 11. Receiving and disposition of petitions; 12. Other matters as are delegated to it by law. ---------- 8/ Article 9 of Law No. 32.- 3- 3. Management and supervision of properties and public facilities; 4. Orders for receipts and disbursements and supervision of accounts; 5. Custody of certificates and public documents; 6. Imposition or collection of charges for use, fees, local taxes, allotments, admission fees, labor or goods; 7. Other matters which belong to his jurisdiction by law. The affairs delegated to Seoul Special City as a local public entity should be distinguished from those delegated to the Mayor of Seoul Special City as an agent of the national government. In any instance, the national government is responsible for expenditures. 8/ In reference to the duties of the city council Article 19 of the Local Autonomy Law provides: Article 19. A local council, as the organ of resolution for an autonomous organization, shall pass legislation on the following matters: 1. Enactment, amendment, or repeal of by-laws; 2. Resolution on the budget; 3. Examination and approval of statements of accounts; 4. Matters pertaining to charges for use, fees, local taxes, allotments, admission fees, enforcement of labor, and requisition and collection of goods, except those provided for in laws or Cabinet Decrees; 5. Matters pertaining to establishment, management or disposition of fundamental properties, or reserve funds or grains; 6. Acquisition and disposal of fundamental properties and other important properties; 7. Matters pertaining to establishment, management, or disposition of public welfare facilities; 8. Disbursement beyond the limit of the budget and abandonment of rights; 9. Administrative dispute or litigation, or settlement involving the local public entity as a party; 10. Decisions of the amount for indemnity or loss compensation obligated under law; 11. Receiving and disposition of petitions; 12. Other matters as are delegated to it by law. ---------- 8/ Article 9 of Law No. 32.- 3- 3. Management and supervision of properties and public facilities; 4. Orders for receipts and disbursements and supervision of accounts; 5. Custody of certificates and public documents; 6. Imposition or collection of charges for use, fees, local taxes, allotments, admission fees, labor or goods; 7. Other matters which belong to his jurisdiction by law. The affairs delegated to Seoul Special City as a local public entity should be distinguished from those delegated to the Mayor of Seoul Special City as an agent of the national government. In any instance, the national government is responsible for expenditures. 8/ In reference to the duties of the city council Article 19 of the Local Autonomy Law provides: Article 19. A local council, as the organ of resolution for an autonomous organization, shall pass legislation on the following matters: 1. Enactment, amendment, or repeal of by-laws; 2. Resolution on the budget; 3. Examination and approval of statements of accounts; 4. Matters pertaining to charges for use, fees, local taxes, allotments, admission fees, enforcement of labor, and requisition and collection of goods, except those provided for in laws or Cabinet Decrees; 5. Matters pertaining to establishment, management or disposition of fundamental properties, or reserve funds or grains; 6. Acquisition and disposal of fundamental properties and other important properties; 7. Matters pertaining to establishment, management, or disposition of public welfare facilities; 8. Disbursement beyond the limit of the budget and abandonment of rights; 9. Administrative dispute or litigation, or settlement involving the local public entity as a party; 10. Decisions of the amount for indemnity or loss compensation obligated under law; 11. Receiving and disposition of petitions; 12. Other matters as are delegated to it by law. ---------- 8/ Article 9 of Law No. 32.- 3- 3. Management and supervision of properties and public facilities; 4. Orders for receipts and disbursements and supervision of accounts; 5. Custody of certificates and public documents; 6. Imposition or collection of charges for use, fees, local taxes, allotments, admission fees, labor or goods; 7. Other matters which belong to his jurisdiction by law. The affairs delegated to Seoul Special City as a local public entity should be distinguished from those delegated to the Mayor of Seoul Special City as an agent of the national government. In any instance, the national government is responsible for expenditures. 8/ In reference to the duties of the city council Article 19 of the Local Autonomy Law provides: Article 19. A local council, as the organ of resolution for an autonomous organization, shall pass legislation on the following matters: 1. Enactment, amendment, or repeal of by-laws; 2. Resolution on the budget; 3. Examination and approval of statements of accounts; 4. Matters pertaining to charges for use, fees, local taxes, allotments, admission fees, enforcement of labor, and requisition and collection of goods, except those provided for in laws or Cabinet Decrees; 5. Matters pertaining to establishment, management or disposition of fundamental properties, or reserve funds or grains; 6. Acquisition and disposal of fundamental properties and other important properties; 7. Matters pertaining to establishment, management, or disposition of public welfare facilities; 8. Disbursement beyond the limit of the budget and abandonment of rights; 9. Administrative dispute or litigation, or settlement involving the local public entity as a party; 10. Decisions of the amount for indemnity or loss compensation obligated under law; 11. Receiving and disposition of petitions; 12. Other matters as are delegated to it by law. ---------- 8/ Article 9 of Law No. 32.- 3- 3. Management and supervision of properties and public facilities; 4. Orders for receipts and disbursements and supervision of accounts; 5. Custody of certificates and public documents; 6. Imposition or collection of charges for use, fees, local taxes, allotments, admission fees, labor or goods; 7. Other matters which belong to his jurisdiction by law. The affairs delegated to Seoul Special City as a local public entity should be distinguished from those delegated to the Mayor of Seoul Special City as an agent of the national government. In any instance, the national government is responsible for expenditures. 8/ In reference to the duties of the city council Article 19 of the Local Autonomy Law provides: Article 19. A local council, as the organ of resolution for an autonomous organization, shall pass legislation on the following matters: 1. Enactment, amendment, or repeal of by-laws; 2. Resolution on the budget; 3. Examination and approval of statements of accounts; 4. Matters pertaining to charges for use, fees, local taxes, allotments, admission fees, enforcement of labor, and requisition and collection of goods, except those provided for in laws or Cabinet Decrees; 5. Matters pertaining to establishment, management or disposition of fundamental properties, or reserve funds or grains; 6. Acquisition and disposal of fundamental properties and other important properties; 7. Matters pertaining to establishment, management, or disposition of public welfare facilities; 8. Disbursement beyond the limit of the budget and abandonment of rights; 9. Administrative dispute or litigation, or settlement involving the local public entity as a party; 10. Decisions of the amount for indemnity or loss compensation obligated under law; 11. Receiving and disposition of petitions; 12. Other matters as are delegated to it by law. ---------- 8/ Article 9 of Law No. 32.- 4 - Article 20. A local council may, for the supervision of administration, request the head of the autonomous entity and its subordinate agencies to be present and answer pertinent questions, and it may examine necessary documents. The Minister of Home Affairs, 9/ under the direction of the Prime Minister, supervises the administration of Seoul Special City through the Mayor, except concerning affairs of other Ministries in which case the competent Minister is charged with supervision. 10/ The position of the Mayor of Seoul is of a dual character: he is an agent of the national government and also the head of the local autonomous entity. In the former aspect the national government exercises a strong and extensive directing and supervisory power of the Mayor. In the latter aspect, however, national supervision is exercised in accordance with the provisions of law. Concerning the supervision over local affairs, the Local Autonomy Law provides: Article 105. The minister of Home Affairs or Provincial Government may, when he deems it necessary for supervision, receive a report pertaining to the affairs of the local public body under his jurisdiction, or inspect necessary documents, account books or revenue and expenditures. When the by-laws of Seoul Special City or a disposition of the Mayor violates the Constitution or a law, the Prime Minister must decide whether he should annul or suspect the said by-law or disposition upon receiving a petition from the people. Article 153 of the Local Autonomy Law states: Article 153. 1. In the event that by-laws of a local autonomous body or a disposition of the head thereof is deemed to have violated either the Constitution or a law, ---------- 9/ Article 16, Government Organization Law, Law. No. 552, July 1, 1961. 10/ Article 107 of Law No. 32. - 4 - Article 20. A local council may, for the supervision of administration, request the head of the autonomous entity and its subordinate agencies to be present and answer pertinent questions, and it may examine necessary documents. The Minister of Home Affairs, 9/ under the direction of the Prime Minister, supervises the administration of Seoul Special City through the Mayor, except concerning affairs of other Ministries in which case the competent Minister is charged with supervision. 10/ The position of the Mayor of Seoul is of a dual character: he is an agent of the national government and also the head of the local autonomous entity. In the former aspect the national government exercises a strong and extensive directing and supervisory power of the Mayor. In the latter aspect, however, national supervision is exercised in accordance with the provisions of law. Concerning the supervision over local affairs, the Local Autonomy Law provides: Article 105. The minister of Home Affairs or Provincial Government may, when he deems it necessary for supervision, receive a report pertaining to the affairs of the local public body under his jurisdiction, or inspect necessary documents, account books or revenue and expenditures. When the by-laws of Seoul Special City or a disposition of the Mayor violates the Constitution or a law, the Prime Minister must decide whether he should annul or suspect the said by-law or disposition upon receiving a petition from the people. Article 153 of the Local Autonomy Law states: Article 153. 1. In the event that by-laws of a local autonomous body or a disposition of the head thereof is deemed to have violated either the Constitution or a law, ---------- 9/ Article 16, Government Organization Law, Law. No. 552, July 1, 1961. 10/ Article 107 of Law No. 32. - 4 - Article 20. A local council may, for the supervision of administration, request the head of the autonomous entity and its subordinate agencies to be present and answer pertinent questions, and it may examine necessary documents. The Minister of Home Affairs, 9/ under the direction of the Prime Minister, supervises the administration of Seoul Special City through the Mayor, except concerning affairs of other Ministries in which case the competent Minister is charged with supervision. 10/ The position of the Mayor of Seoul is of a dual character: he is an agent of the national government and also the head of the local autonomous entity. In the former aspect the national government exercises a strong and extensive directing and supervisory power of the Mayor. In the latter aspect, however, national supervision is exercised in accordance with the provisions of law. Concerning the supervision over local affairs, the Local Autonomy Law provides: Article 105. The minister of Home Affairs or Provincial Government may, when he deems it necessary for supervision, receive a report pertaining to the affairs of the local public body under his jurisdiction, or inspect necessary documents, account books or revenue and expenditures. When the by-laws of Seoul Special City or a disposition of the Mayor violates the Constitution or a law, the Prime Minister must decide whether he should annul or suspect the said by-law or disposition upon receiving a petition from the people. Article 153 of the Local Autonomy Law states: Article 153. 1. In the event that by-laws of a local autonomous body or a disposition of the head thereof is deemed to have violated either the Constitution or a law, ---------- 9/ Article 16, Government Organization Law, Law. No. 552, July 1, 1961. 10/ Article 107 of Law No. 32. - 4 - Article 20. A local council may, for the supervision of administration, request the head of the autonomous entity and its subordinate agencies to be present and answer pertinent questions, and it may examine necessary documents. The Minister of Home Affairs, 9/ under the direction of the Prime Minister, supervises the administration of Seoul Special City through the Mayor, except concerning affairs of other Ministries in which case the competent Minister is charged with supervision. 10/ The position of the Mayor of Seoul is of a dual character: he is an agent of the national government and also the head of the local autonomous entity. In the former aspect the national government exercises a strong and extensive directing and supervisory power of the Mayor. In the latter aspect, however, national supervision is exercised in accordance with the provisions of law. Concerning the supervision over local affairs, the Local Autonomy Law provides: Article 105. The minister of Home Affairs or Provincial Government may, when he deems it necessary for supervision, receive a report pertaining to the affairs of the local public body under his jurisdiction, or inspect necessary documents, account books or revenue and expenditures. When the by-laws of Seoul Special City or a disposition of the Mayor violates the Constitution or a law, the Prime Minister must decide whether he should annul or suspect the said by-law or disposition upon receiving a petition from the people. Article 153 of the Local Autonomy Law states: Article 153. 1. In the event that by-laws of a local autonomous body or a disposition of the head thereof is deemed to have violated either the Constitution or a law, ---------- 9/ Article 16, Government Organization Law, Law. No. 552, July 1, 1961. 10/ Article 107 of Law No. 32. - 4 - Article 20. A local council may, for the supervision of administration, request the head of the autonomous entity and its subordinate agencies to be present and answer pertinent questions, and it may examine necessary documents. The Minister of Home Affairs, 9/ under the direction of the Prime Minister, supervises the administration of Seoul Special City through the Mayor, except concerning affairs of other Ministries in which case the competent Minister is charged with supervision. 10/ The position of the Mayor of Seoul is of a dual character: he is an agent of the national government and also the head of the local autonomous entity. In the former aspect the national government exercises a strong and extensive directing and supervisory power of the Mayor. In the latter aspect, however, national supervision is exercised in accordance with the provisions of law. Concerning the supervision over local affairs, the Local Autonomy Law provides: Article 105. The minister of Home Affairs or Provincial Government may, when he deems it necessary for supervision, receive a report pertaining to the affairs of the local public body under his jurisdiction, or inspect necessary documents, account books or revenue and expenditures. When the by-laws of Seoul Special City or a disposition of the Mayor violates the Constitution or a law, the Prime Minister must decide whether he should annul or suspect the said by-law or disposition upon receiving a petition from the people. Article 153 of the Local Autonomy Law states: Article 153. 1. In the event that by-laws of a local autonomous body or a disposition of the head thereof is deemed to have violated either the Constitution or a law, ---------- 9/ Article 16, Government Organization Law, Law. No. 552, July 1, 1961. 10/ Article 107 of Law No. 32. - 5 - a petition signed by not less than one hundred residents may be submitted with reasons attached to the Prime Minister in the case of a province or Seoul Special City . . . . 2. In a case where . . . the Prime Minister has received a petition under the preceding paragraph, a decision shall be made within sixty days from the day on which the petition is received, and the decision shall be announced publicly and the parties concerned shall be informed of the same in writing. Article 154. In case there is an objection to the decision rendered in accordance with the preceding paragraph, an action may be brought to the Supreme Court within ten days from the date the decision is made. In case no action is brought within the said period, the decision shall become final. Article 155. The effect of the by-laws or order shall not be affected until such time as the Supreme Court judgment in accordance with the preceding Article becomes final. While no petition is made by the residents, the competent Minister may, ex-officio, annual or suspend the order or disposition of the Mayor which violates laws or ordinances. 11/ Furthermore, the Minister of Home Affairs may request the Mayor Disciplinary Committee to take a disciplinary measure against the Mayor. 12/ Finally, the Mayor is subject to the approval of the Minister of Home Affairs when issuing local bonds 13/ or when difficulties are encountered in altering, abolishing, or dividing the boundaries of Seoul Special City 14/ or when the establishment of a national agency or its branch office is paid for partially or entirely by expenditure from the national treasury. 15/ ---------- 11/ Article 108 of Law No. 32. 12/ Article 109 of Law No. 32. 13/ Article 134 of Law No. 32 14/ Article 162 of Law No. 32. 15/ Article 39 of the Enforcement Order of the Local Autonomy Law, Decree No. 158, August 13, 1949.- 5 - a petition signed by not less than one hundred residents may be submitted with reasons attached to the Prime Minister in the case of a province or Seoul Special City . . . . 2. In a case where . . . the Prime Minister has received a petition under the preceding paragraph, a decision shall be made within sixty days from the day on which the petition is received, and the decision shall be announced publicly and the parties concerned shall be informed of the same in writing. Article 154. In case there is an objection to the decision rendered in accordance with the preceding paragraph, an action may be brought to the Supreme Court within ten days from the date the decision is made. In case no action is brought within the said period, the decision shall become final. Article 155. The effect of the by-laws or order shall not be affected until such time as the Supreme Court judgment in accordance with the preceding Article becomes final. While no petition is made by the residents, the competent Minister may, ex-officio, annual or suspend the order or disposition of the Mayor which violates laws or ordinances. 11/ Furthermore, the Minister of Home Affairs may request the Mayor Disciplinary Committee to take a disciplinary measure against the Mayor. 12/ Finally, the Mayor is subject to the approval of the Minister of Home Affairs when issuing local bonds 13/ or when difficulties are encountered in altering, abolishing, or dividing the boundaries of Seoul Special City 14/ or when the establishment of a national agency or its branch office is paid for partially or entirely by expenditure from the national treasury. 15/ ---------- 11/ Article 108 of Law No. 32. 12/ Article 109 of Law No. 32. 13/ Article 134 of Law No. 32 14/ Article 162 of Law No. 32. 15/ Article 39 of the Enforcement Order of the Local Autonomy Law, Decree No. 158, August 13, 1949.- 5 - a petition signed by not less than one hundred residents may be submitted with reasons attached to the Prime Minister in the case of a province or Seoul Special City . . . . 2. In a case where . . . the Prime Minister has received a petition under the preceding paragraph, a decision shall be made within sixty days from the day on which the petition is received, and the decision shall be announced publicly and the parties concerned shall be informed of the same in writing. Article 154. In case there is an objection to the decision rendered in accordance with the preceding paragraph, an action may be brought to the Supreme Court within ten days from the date the decision is made. In case no action is brought within the said period, the decision shall become final. Article 155. The effect of the by-laws or order shall not be affected until such time as the Supreme Court judgment in accordance with the preceding Article becomes final. While no petition is made by the residents, the competent Minister may, ex-officio, annual or suspend the order or disposition of the Mayor which violates laws or ordinances. 11/ Furthermore, the Minister of Home Affairs may request the Mayor Disciplinary Committee to take a disciplinary measure against the Mayor. 12/ Finally, the Mayor is subject to the approval of the Minister of Home Affairs when issuing local bonds 13/ or when difficulties are encountered in altering, abolishing, or dividing the boundaries of Seoul Special City 14/ or when the establishment of a national agency or its branch office is paid for partially or entirely by expenditure from the national treasury. 15/ ---------- 11/ Article 108 of Law No. 32. 12/ Article 109 of Law No. 32. 13/ Article 134 of Law No. 32 14/ Article 162 of Law No. 32. 15/ Article 39 of the Enforcement Order of the Local Autonomy Law, Decree No. 158, August 13, 1949.- 5 - a petition signed by not less than one hundred residents may be submitted with reasons attached to the Prime Minister in the case of a province or Seoul Special City . . . . 2. In a case where . . . the Prime Minister has received a petition under the preceding paragraph, a decision shall be made within sixty days from the day on which the petition is received, and the decision shall be announced publicly and the parties concerned shall be informed of the same in writing. Article 154. In case there is an objection to the decision rendered in accordance with the preceding paragraph, an action may be brought to the Supreme Court within ten days from the date the decision is made. In case no action is brought within the said period, the decision shall become final. Article 155. The effect of the by-laws or order shall not be affected until such time as the Supreme Court judgment in accordance with the preceding Article becomes final. While no petition is made by the residents, the competent Minister may, ex-officio, annual or suspend the order or disposition of the Mayor which violates laws or ordinances. 11/ Furthermore, the Minister of Home Affairs may request the Mayor Disciplinary Committee to take a disciplinary measure against the Mayor. 12/ Finally, the Mayor is subject to the approval of the Minister of Home Affairs when issuing local bonds 13/ or when difficulties are encountered in altering, abolishing, or dividing the boundaries of Seoul Special City 14/ or when the establishment of a national agency or its branch office is paid for partially or entirely by expenditure from the national treasury. 15/ ---------- 11/ Article 108 of Law No. 32. 12/ Article 109 of Law No. 32. 13/ Article 134 of Law No. 32 14/ Article 162 of Law No. 32. 15/ Article 39 of the Enforcement Order of the Local Autonomy Law, Decree No. 158, August 13, 1949.- 5 - a petition signed by not less than one hundred residents may be submitted with reasons attached to the Prime Minister in the case of a province or Seoul Special City . . . . 2. In a case where . . . the Prime Minister has received a petition under the preceding paragraph, a decision shall be made within sixty days from the day on which the petition is received, and the decision shall be announced publicly and the parties concerned shall be informed of the same in writing. Article 154. In case there is an objection to the decision rendered in accordance with the preceding paragraph, an action may be brought to the Supreme Court within ten days from the date the decision is made. In case no action is brought within the said period, the decision shall become final. Article 155. The effect of the by-laws or order shall not be affected until such time as the Supreme Court judgment in accordance with the preceding Article becomes final. While no petition is made by the residents, the competent Minister may, ex-officio, annual or suspend the order or disposition of the Mayor which violates laws or ordinances. 11/ Furthermore, the Minister of Home Affairs may request the Mayor Disciplinary Committee to take a disciplinary measure against the Mayor. 12/ Finally, the Mayor is subject to the approval of the Minister of Home Affairs when issuing local bonds 13/ or when difficulties are encountered in altering, abolishing, or dividing the boundaries of Seoul Special City 14/ or when the establishment of a national agency or its branch office is paid for partially or entirely by expenditure from the national treasury. 15/ ---------- 11/ Article 108 of Law No. 32. 12/ Article 109 of Law No. 32. 13/ Article 134 of Law No. 32 14/ Article 162 of Law No. 32. 15/ Article 39 of the Enforcement Order of the Local Autonomy Law, Decree No. 158, August 13, 1949.-6- The mayor, who manages administrative affairs as an agent of the national government, is subject to the direction and supervision of the Prime Minister with regard to the following matters: 1. Matters relating to the basic policy of the State; 2. Matters relating to the basic principles and standards established by the national government; 3. Matters requiring a unified treatment on the national level; 4. Matters involving areas other than Seoul Special City; 5. Matters pertaining to police (ALL policemen are appointed by the national government); 6. Other matters requiring report or investigation.¹⁶/ Sung Yoon Cho Far Eastern Law Division Law Library Library of Congress February 20, 1963 SYC:jw[?] ¹⁶/ Article 3 of Law No. 1015.-6- The mayor, who manages administrative affairs as an agent of the national government, is subject to the direction and supervision of the Prime Minister with regard to the following matters: 1. Matters relating to the basic policy of the State; 2. Matters relating to the basic principles and standards established by the national government; 3. Matters requiring a unified treatment on the national level; 4. Matters involving areas other than Seoul Special City; 5. Matters pertaining to police (ALL policemen are appointed by the national government); 6. Other matters requiring report or investigation.¹⁶/ Sung Yoon Cho Far Eastern Law Division Law Library Library of Congress February 20, 1963 SYC:jw[?] ¹⁶/ Article 3 of Law No. 1015.-6- The mayor, who manages administrative affairs as an agent of the national government, is subject to the direction and supervision of the Prime Minister with regard to the following matters: 1. Matters relating to the basic policy of the State; 2. Matters relating to the basic principles and standards established by the national government; 3. Matters requiring a unified treatment on the national level; 4. Matters involving areas other than Seoul Special City; 5. Matters pertaining to police (ALL policemen are appointed by the national government); 6. Other matters requiring report or investigation.¹⁶/ Sung Yoon Cho Far Eastern Law Division Law Library Library of Congress February 20, 1963 SYC:jw[?] ¹⁶/ Article 3 of Law No. 1015.-6- The mayor, who manages administrative affairs as an agent of the national government, is subject to the direction and supervision of the Prime Minister with regard to the following matters: 1. Matters relating to the basic policy of the State; 2. Matters relating to the basic principles and standards established by the national government; 3. Matters requiring a unified treatment on the national level; 4. Matters involving areas other than Seoul Special City; 5. Matters pertaining to police (ALL policemen are appointed by the national government); 6. Other matters requiring report or investigation.¹⁶/ Sung Yoon Cho Far Eastern Law Division Law Library Library of Congress February 20, 1963 SYC:jw[?] ¹⁶/ Article 3 of Law No. 1015.-6- The mayor, who manages administrative affairs as an agent of the national government, is subject to the direction and supervision of the Prime Minister with regard to the following matters: 1. Matters relating to the basic policy of the State; 2. Matters relating to the basic principles and standards established by the national government; 3. Matters requiring a unified treatment on the national level; 4. Matters involving areas other than Seoul Special City; 5. Matters pertaining to police (ALL policemen are appointed by the national government); 6. Other matters requiring report or investigation.¹⁶/ Sung Yoon Cho Far Eastern Law Division Law Library Library of Congress February 20, 1963 SYC:jw[?] ¹⁶/ Article 3 of Law No. 1015.