South Korea Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission

The Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission (ACRC) has released reports addressing both legislative impact and seasonal public grievances.

Marking the 10th anniversary of the Improper Solicitation and Graft Act, also known as the ‘Kim Young-ran Act’, the ACRC reported that 2,983 individuals have faced sanctions since the law’s 2016 implementation. While reports of improper solicitation have decreased significantly from a 2018 peak, violations involving the receipt of money or valuables remain a primary concern, accounting for 94.8% of sanctioned individuals. Public perception remains largely positive, with 87.1% of surveyed respondents viewing the law’s impact favorably, though many call for stricter punishments.

Separately, the ACRC issued a ‘complaint advisory’ regarding seasonal issues caused by fallen leaves and ginkgo nuts. Based on an analysis of 50,242 complaints filed between October 2023 and September 2026, the commission noted that leaf-related grievances typically surge in September and peak in November. These issues include pedestrian safety risks from slippery surfaces, blocked drainage systems, and property damage. In response, local governments such as Busan and Gimpo have initiated proactive cleaning and harvesting measures.

Additionally, the ACRC has recommended reforms to household waste disposal systems to reduce regional service disparities. The commission advised 28 local governments to establish online and mobile platforms for reporting large-scale waste and electronic fee payments. To assist residents moving between regions, it recommended that 18 local governments allow the exchange of unused plastic garbage bags. Furthermore, the ACRC advised 95 local governments to provide multilingual guidance, including the use of QR codes and pictograms, to support foreign residents.