The South Korean government has announced an increase in the meal expense limit for public officials, journalists, and private school staff under the country’s anti-graft law, known colloquially as the “Kim Young-ran Law.” (Image courtesy of Yonhap)
SEOUL, Aug. 20 (Korea Bizwire) – The South Korean government has announced an increase in the meal expense limit for public officials, journalists, and private school staff under the country’s anti-graft law, known colloquially as the “Kim Young-ran Law.”
The change, set to take effect on August 27, will raise the maximum allowable meal expense from 30,000 won to 50,000 won.
The decision was made during the 36th Cabinet meeting held at the Presidential Office in Yongsan, Seoul, on August 19.
The Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission (ACRC) stated that the amendment to the enforcement decree of the Improper Solicitation and Graft Act has been approved and is awaiting the President’s final signature before its official announcement and implementation.
The “Kim Young-ran Law,” officially known as the Improper Solicitation and Graft Act, has previously limited public officials, journalists, and private school staff to accepting meals worth no more than 30,000 won and gifts valued at no more than 50,000 won when provided for work-related purposes or as part of social customs and rituals.
The meal expense limit of 30,000 won was initially set in 2003 when the Code of Conduct for Public Officials was first established.
However, there have been growing calls to adjust this figure to reflect the significant changes in socio-economic conditions, including inflation rates over the past two decades.
Additionally, there has been pressure to support small business owners and self-employed individuals who have been facing financial difficulties.
In response to these concerns, the ACRC held a plenary committee meeting last month to finalize the amendment raising the meal expense limit.
This move is seen as an attempt to balance ethical standards in public service with the economic realities faced by businesses in the food service industry.
M. H. Lee (mhlee@koreabizwire.com)
