Anti-Graft Law Officially Sets Sail in S. Korea

A much-debated anti-graft law has officially kicked off in South Korea, calling for workers in certain sectors who should maintain higher ethical standards to refrain from receiving any gift priced beyond a legal ceiling. Under the Kim Young-ran Law, people working for the government, media outlets and schools are banned from receiving meals priced higher than 30,000 won (US$27), gifts exceeding 50,000 won, and congratulatory and condolence money over 100,000 won. The law aims to root out corruption and irregularities existing in South Korean society, which has been overlooked by many as mere customs or tradition. It is applied to around 4 million South Koreans working at 40,919 governmental and private organizations. The spouses of such workers are also obligated to follow the law. People will be banned from receiving anything from their counterparts when their businesses are closely related and calls for strong transparency. School teachers are also banned from receiving any food or presents from students or parents under their change. Playing golf for the purpose of providing entertainment will also be regulated under the law, although people will still be free to play on their own.