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Violation of Public Interest(Report guide)

Report guide

Examples for public interest disclosure

  • Health

    unlicensed medical practiceImprisonment for not more than five years or
    a fine not exceeding KRW 20 million

  • Safety

    unfaithful construction supervisionImprisonment for not more than 10 years or a fine
    not exceeding KRW 100 million

  • Environment

    degradation of a natural ecosystem or a natural landscapeImprisonment for not more than three years
    or a fine not exceeding KRW 20 million

  • Consumer interest

    distribution of fake sesame oilAn administrative fine not exceeding KRW 30 million

  • Fair competition

    LPG price-fixingA penalty surcharge not exceeding the double
    of the amount concerned

  • Public interest

    false recruitment advertisementsImprisonment for not more than five years or a fine not exceeding KRW 20 million

Organizations for public interest disclosure

Four authorities for reporting set forth in Article 6 of the Protection of Public Interest Reporters Act
  • Acts of violation of the public interest
    a representative or an employer of individuals, organizations, groups or businesses that commit acts of violation of the public interest
  • Inspection agency
    an administrative agency or a supervisory agency mandated to deliver guidance, supervision, regulation or investigation with regard to acts of violation of the public interest
  • Investigative organization
    prosecutors, general/special judicial police officers
  • Anti-corruption and Civil Rights Commission (ACRC)
Two authorities for reporting set forth in Article 5 of the Protection of Public Interest Reporters Act
  • Acts of violation of the public interest
    a representative or an employer of individuals, organizations, groups or businesses that commit acts of violation of the public interest
  • Public organizations
    public corporations, etc. established in accordance with laws related to acts of violation of the public interest

What to be reported

The term of "violation of the public interest" means an act that infringes on the health and safety of the public, environment, consumer interests and fair competition, and falls under any of the following items:

  • An act that is subject to any penal provisions defined in the Acts listed in attached table
  • An act that is subject to an administrative action determined by Article 3 of Presidential Decree the Act, including the cancellation or suspension of a permit or license in accordance with the Acts listed in the attached table
What constitutes a violation of the public interest?

Search for laws subject to acts of violation of the public interest

Acts of violation of the public interest

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How to report

Anyone discovers that a violation occurred or occurring, he/she may report to (a) the ACRC,(b) the representative or employer of a person, institution, organization, company, etc. that may violate or has violated public interest,(c) the administrative agency or supervisory body that has the authority to direct, supervise, regulate or investigate violations of public interest (d) investigative authorities including public prosecutor, police, special judicial police, (e) a member of the National Assembly and (f) a public corporation, a state owned enterprise and other public organization established under the laws on public interest violations, by the following channels.

  • Internet : www.clean.go.kr
  • Post Address : Government Complaints Counseling Center, Government Complex - Seoul 209, Sejong-daero, Jongno-gu, Seoul 03171
  • Fax : +82-44-200-7972 [Report Form]
  • Visit : You can visit the ACRC office in Seoul or Sejong to submit reports. Our office hours are 9 am to 6 pm, Monday to Friday.
  • Government Complaints Counseling Center : Government Complex - Seoul 209, Sejong-daero, Jongno-gu, Seoul 03171
  • ACRC main office : Government Complex-Sejong, 20, Doum 5-ro, Sejong 30102

Reports shall be made in writing (including electronic documents) with the reporting person's personal details along with the evidence in order to prevent irresponsible reporting, false reporting, etc.

Online Counseling / Online Reporting

Online Counseling Online Reporting

How to handle a report

Handing Procedure

Report received by the ACRC

Report received by examination / investigation agencies

Report received by a member of the National Assembly or a public institution

  • Report shall be forwarded to either examination/investigation agencies or to the ACRC. Then it will be handled as the above procedure

Report received by a representative or employer

  • Report shall be handled according to its internal handling procedure

Related laws

  • PROTECTION OF PUBLIC INTEREST REPORTERS ACT shortcuts
  • ENFORCEMENT DECREE OF THE PROTECTION OF PUBLIC INTEREST REPORTERS ACT shortcuts
  • OPERATIONAL GUIDELINES FOR THE RECEIPT AND HANDLING OF PUBLIC INTEREST REPORTS shortcuts
  • OPERATIONAL GUIDELINES FOR PROTECTION OF PUBLIC INTEREST REPORTERS shortcuts
  • OPERATIONAL GUIDELINES FOR HANDLING REWARD AFFAIRS shortcuts
  • OPERATIONAL GUIDELINES FOR HANDLING RELIEF MONEY AFFAIRS shortcuts