Lee Jae-myung: Whistleblowers shouldn't face disadvantages for reporting corruption

President Lee Jae-myung has asserted that individuals who report corruption should not face disadvantages, highlighting their contribution to the public good. Speaking at a presidential office briefing, Lee stated, "I believe that uncovering and reporting corruption is not a bad thing to do as a profession." He emphasized that such reporting is more beneficial to the nation and community than the negative perception that reporting others' wrongdoings for money is undesirable.

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I believe that uncovering and reporting corruption is not a bad thing to do as a profession.

"It is good that the government does not impose disadvantages on these individuals simply because they are professional whistleblowers," Lee added. This stance comes as the government intends to revise the subsidy law's enforcement decree by the end of September. The revision aims to broaden the criteria for awarding reporting rewards. Currently, rewards are based on 30% of the amount ordered for repayment. The new plan will use 30% of all amounts recovered by the state, including penalty surcharges and additional charges, as the basis for rewards.

Lee recounted an instance where someone was denied a reward for reporting littering by taxi drivers, despite capturing over 3,000 violations with a telephoto lens from an overpass. He argued that such individuals, who invest in equipment and dedicate themselves to reporting, should not be denied their rewards. "Why wouldn't you give it to them?" he questioned, suggesting that professional reporting should be encouraged rather than penalized.

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It is good that the government does not impose disadvantages on these individuals simply because they are professional whistleblowers.

The government's move to expand reward criteria reflects a commitment to incentivizing the reporting of corruption and other wrongdoings, aiming to foster a more transparent and accountable society. The initiative seeks to ensure that those who contribute to rooting out corruption are properly recognized and compensated, regardless of their methods or professional status.

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Why wouldn't you give it to them?