1st anti-graft law violation case ridiculed

By Lee Kyung-min

The first violation of the anti-graft law will go to trial. But the case, involving a low-priced gift which seems far from corruption, has become an object of criticism and ridicule among the public for failing to serve the original purpose of the law.

The trial involves a man who sent a box of rice cakes worth 45,000 won ($40) to a police officer at a police station in Chuncheon, Gangwon Province. The officer was investigating a case for the man, the details of which haven’t been disclosed.

The anti-corruption law, also called the Kim Young-ran Act, bans public servants, teachers and journalists from receiving meals worth over 30,000 won and gifts over 50,000 won. Those who offer or promise to offer valuables or gifts are subject to fines which are two to five times the amount offered.

The officer immediately returned the rice cakes to the sender and reported it to the police station’s internal inspection team, which asked the Chuncheon District Court to fine the sender for violating the law.

While the sender said he sent the rice cakes out of gratitude as the officer accepted his request to reschedule the time for questioning, a fine of up to 225,000 won may be imposed if the court finds him guilty. The court is currently reviewing opinions submitted by the defendant and the prosecution.

Internet users have posted sarcastic comments, saying that the law should be used to crack down on high-profile, large-scale bribery cases.

“This is like brandishing a machete, which was made to kill a bull, in chopping up scallions, not even in killing a chicken,” a blogger said.

Another wrote, “Of course I understand that upholding the newly implemented law starts with punishing minor cases, but I don’t think a small case like this is what the law is targeting.”

“The prosecution should indict corrupt high-ranking politicians and large corporations, rather than going after cases involving only a couple of low-ranking public servants,” another wrote.

Many others pointed out that the law is too harsh as it punishes a simple expression of gratitude between individuals.

“The officer returned the gift, so that should be it. What good comes of imposing a fine? That is an absolute waste of administrative resources,” one comment read.

“I unintentionally ended up embarrassing someone by refusing to accept a loaf of bread citing the law. Punishing ordinary citizens for giving small gifts in thanks is simply wrong.”

Many expressed that they were still confused about what is legal and what is not.

“I plan to go to the district office to thank the officials there. Would I get punished for bringing a small box of drinks? This law is confusing.”