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S. Korean officials taking $900+ to be expelled

September 24, 2015
Independent lawmaker Park Ki-choon shows a stern face at the Seoul Central Prosecutors' Office on Aug. 19, 2015, as he is transferred to a detention house after prosecutors arrested him on suspicion of taking bribes from a businessman. Park is suspected of receiving illegal political funds worth 350 million won (US$299,000) and valuables, such as luxury watches and bags, from the head of a distribution agency. (Yonhap)

Independent lawmaker Park Ki-choon shows a stern face at the Seoul Central Prosecutors’ Office on Aug. 19, 2015, as he is transferred to a detention house after prosecutors arrested him on suspicion of taking bribes from a businessman. Park is suspected of receiving illegal political funds worth 350 million won (US$299,000) and valuables, such as luxury watches and bags, from the head of a distribution agency. (Yonhap)

South Korean courts are cracking down on political corruption by issuing a new law that states any bribe exceeding one million won (US$900) received in exchange for favors will result in an immediate removal from office.

That also includes valuables or material possessions in addition to monetary transactions.

If the bribe happens to be less than $900, the public official will still be subject to severe disciplinary action according to the country’s Ministry of Personnel Management.

Once officials are removed from office, they will not be able to perform public service duties for a duration of five years, while their severance pay and pension will be reduced by 50 percent.

The ruling will officially come into effect come November.