"Report Any Gifts or Money"...Anti-Corruption Commission Launches Public Service Discipline Inspections

Focused reporting on violations of the public officials’ code of conduct until the 27th

The Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission will conduct inspections to strengthen discipline in the public service ahead of the Lunar New Year holidays.

On February 9, the Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission announced that it will operate a focused reporting period for violations of the code of conduct by public officials, such as the acceptance of gifts, money, or entertainment, until the 27th of this month. Under the Code of Conduct for Public Officials and the codes of conduct for public institutions, including public-service-related organizations, public officials are strictly prohibited from receiving gifts, money, or entertainment from persons related to their official duties.

Sejong City, Government Complex Sejong, Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission. Reporter Kim Hyunmin

Also prohibited are acts such as using budget funds for purposes other than those intended to purchase gifts and similar items, making false business trips or using goods belonging to public institutions for personal purposes, public officials receiving gifts, money, or entertainment from persons related to their duties, and improper solicitations or involvement in the pursuit of private interests made through such exchanges.

However, only during the Lunar New Year holiday period, exceptions are allowed within the limit of 300,000 won for agricultural and fishery products, processed agricultural and fishery products, and related gift certificates, when the purpose is to facilitate the smooth performance of duties or for social or customary courtesies.

Reports and related consultations on violations of the code of conduct can be made without an area code through the government’s main civil complaint hotline, Gukmin Call (110), or through the corruption and public interest reporting hotline (1398). Reports can also be filed via the Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission website, the online civil petition system Gukmin Sinmungo, and the Integrity Portal. During the Lunar New Year holidays, the Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission plans to conduct inspections to ensure the smooth implementation of each institution’s own preventive activities against violations of the public officials’ code of conduct.

Lee Myoungsoon, Vice Chairperson of the Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission, stated, "For an upright public service culture to take firm root, the voluntary interest and participation of public officials are essential," adding, "We hope public institutions will faithfully carry out their own preventive activities so that everyone can enjoy a clean and pleasant holiday season."

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