Unfair Practices Like "Personal Errands" Exposed... National Fire Agency Launches "K-Whistle" Anonymous Reporting System

For One Month in July, 67,000 Firefighters Targeted Nationwide
"Whistleblower Anonymity Strictly Guaranteed"

Beginning July 1, 2026, the National Fire Agency will officially operate its anonymous reporting system, "K-Whistle," for one month until July 31, targeting all firefighters nationwide in an effort to improve unreasonable practices within the organization.

K-Whistle allows organizational members to safely report unfair practices and disrespectful treatment.

The system thoroughly guarantees the anonymity of whistleblowers throughout the entire process, from report submission to notification of results, by utilizing independent servers and security technologies provided by an external professional company. Reports can be filed without time or location constraints via the PC website, a dedicated smartphone app, or QR code. The system is available to approximately 67,000 firefighters nationwide.

The main types of reports include: ▲ acts of demanding personal favors (such as personal errands or requesting undue convenience), ▲ unfair drinking culture (coercion to drink alcohol), and ▲ disrespectful treatment (demeaning comments about appearance or body, verbal abuse, etc.).

The system is operated in such a way that it prevents tracking of the whistleblower's IP address and does not generate access log files, making it impossible to identify who submitted a report. It is managed through an independent server, ensuring that internal administrators or inspectors cannot trace the identity of the whistleblower. Even after a report is filed, the whistleblower and inspector can continue to communicate anonymously within the system, enabling the submission of additional materials, responses, and confirmation of processing results through two-way communication channels.

The National Fire Agency explained that if a report does not specify the subject or lacks concrete facts, or if it is based solely on speculation or vague suspicions, there may be limitations in initiating an investigation.

Accordingly, the agency has requested that, when submitting a report, individuals clearly describe the time, place, people involved, and specific actions according to the "five Ws and one H" principle, and attach any supporting evidence if available.

The National Fire Agency plans to closely examine problematic practices within the organization through this focused reporting period and will take strict action according to established principles for any confirmed cases.

In addition, the agency intends to implement follow-up measures such as system improvements and preventive education based on analysis of the reports received.

Choi Yongcheol, Acting Commissioner of the National Fire Agency, stated, "We will take this opportunity for concentrated reporting to correct unreasonable practices and do our utmost to establish an organizational culture that all members can trust."

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