Effective today, August 27, South Korea’s National Ethics Commission has enacted a revised enforcement decree of the ‘Act on the Prohibition of Improper Solicitation and Receipt of Benefits’ (also known as the ‘Kim Young-ran Law’), increasing the limit on the amount of money that public officials can accept for meals from 30,000 won to 50,000 won (approximately $269 USD).
The Kim Young-ran Law, named after a former Supreme Court justice, was implemented in 2016 with the aim of curbing corruption and fostering a cleaner political and business environment in the country. It restricts public officials, journalists, and private school teachers from receiving gifts or entertainment beyond a certain value. The law has been instrumental in setting ethical standards for these professions.
Under the revised regulations, public officials are now allowed to accept meals with a value of up to 50,000 won per occasion. Previously, the limit had been in place since 2003, with no adjustments made to reflect the changing socioeconomic landscape. The demand for an increase in the limit had been growing, as the original 30,000 won ceiling was seen as increasingly outdated.
The National Ethics Commission held a full assembly meeting on July 22 to finalize the amendment, which was then collaboratively pushed through the necessary legislative procedures with relevant departments. The revised decree was approved by the State Council on August 19 and subsequently endorsed by President Yoon Suk-yeol, leading to its official promulgation.
The Kim Young-ran Law also sets a limit on the value of gifts that can be accepted, which remains at 50,000 won. The law not only applies to government officials but also covers journalists and private school teachers, as these groups are considered to have significant influence on society.
The revision of the law is expected to provide more flexibility for official social interactions while maintaining the core principle of preventing corruption. Critics, however, argue that the increase could potentially undermine the original intent of the law by providing more room for unethical practices.
South Korea has been actively pursuing anti-corruption measures in recent years, with the Kim Young-ran Law serving as a cornerstone of these efforts. The revision of the law reflects the government’s commitment to adapt to evolving societal needs while maintaining a robust ethical framework.
As the country continues to grapple with issues of corruption, the effectiveness of the revised regulations will be closely monitored by both the public and the international community. The Kim Young-ran Law, with its updated provisions, will play a crucial role in shaping the ethical landscape for public officials, journalists, and educators in South Korea.
In conclusion, the South Korean government’s decision to raise the limit on acceptable meal expenses for public officials under the Kim Young-ran Law is a significant development in the country’s ongoing battle against corruption. The amendment, while intended to accommodate changing times, will be tested in practice to ensure it remains a powerful deterrent against unethical practices.
【source】https://cn.yna.co.kr/view/ACK20240826004400881?section=society/index&input=rss
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