Foreign diplomats brace for sweeping anti-corruption law

By Yi Whan-woo

Foreign diplomatic missions have asked the Korean government to explain how the new anti-graft law may apply to them, according to officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Tuesday.

Foreign diplomats are making inquiries about the law to avoid violating it once it takes effect Sept. 28, the officials said.

The government also said it conveyed their inquiries to the Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission (ACRC), which is now setting up guidelines for those affected by the law.

“The foreign diplomatic missions want to be clear on the scope and nature of the anti-graft law,” a foreign ministry official said. “They said they need time to get used to observing the law and carrying out their work as usual.”

The inquiries follow growing confusion even among Koreans over what extent the law can be applicable.

The law will punish public officials, private school faculty and journalists for receiving favors previously considered acceptable.

They will face criminal charges if they are treated to a meal priced higher than 30,000 won, receive gifts worth over 50,000 won or take gifts or condolence money over 100,000 won ($89) at a single occasion.

Those who offer such treatments also will be punished.

Foreign ambassadors, consuls and other diplomats will be subject to law.

The National Assembly passed the bill in 2015 to create more transparency in the officialdom.