Expansion of Unfair Solicitation Duties Including Scholarship Selection... Anti-Graft Act Amendment Passed at Cabinet Meeting

Introduction of 'Gujogeumje' including strengthened whistleblower protection and compensation measures

Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun is seen striking the gavel during a Cabinet meeting held on the morning of the 23rd at the Government Complex Sejong in Sejong City, connected via video with Seoul. (Photo by Yonhap News)

[Sejong=Asia Economy Reporter Moon Chaeseok] A legislative amendment defining scholarship selection tasks conducted by public institutions as duties subject to improper solicitation has passed the Cabinet meeting. Thesis review and degree conferral tasks have also been included as duties subject to improper solicitation.

The Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission announced on the 23rd that the amendment to the "Act on the Prohibition of Improper Solicitation and Graft" (Improper Solicitation Act), which expands the scope of duties subject to improper solicitation and strengthens protection and compensation for whistleblowers through measures such as anonymous proxy reporting, has passed the Cabinet meeting.

The current Improper Solicitation Act prohibits improper solicitation related to 14 specific duties for public officials and others. It also stipulates that anyone who becomes aware of a violation can report it.

This amendment was promoted to supplement tasks that need or can be sanctioned for improper solicitation since the enforcement of the Improper Solicitation Act and to strengthen protection and compensation for whistleblowers reporting violations of the Act.

Tasks such as 'recruitment and selection' including apprentices, scholarship selection, thesis review and degree conferral, recognition of achievements, and 'guidance and treatment of recipients' such as correctional officers' duties have been added as duties subject to improper solicitation.

An anonymous proxy reporting system allowing lawyers to report on behalf of whistleblowers has been established.

A 'relief fund system' has also been introduced to cover costs incurred by whistleblowers for physical and mental treatment related to reporting.

The Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission plans to actively support the legislative process to ensure the prompt passage of this amendment in the National Assembly.

Han Samseok, Director of the Anti-Corruption Bureau at the Commission, explained, "As the main government agency for national integrity policy, we prepared this amendment to firmly uphold the purpose of the Improper Solicitation Act."

Director Han said, "We will improve improper solicitation practices and create an environment where active reporting is encouraged to build a public service trusted by the people."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.