3 billion won cap on reward for reporting corruption removed

The government decided Tuesday to remove the 3 billion won ($2.2 million) ceiling on rewards for those who report corruption and violations of the public interest, allowing up to 30 percent of the recovered funds to be paid as rewards, officials said.

The revision to the enforcement decree of the anticorruption law was approved at a Cabinet meeting. Officials said the change is aimed at encouraging corruption reporting by paying rewards commensurate with the contribution of such reports, officials said.

Under the current regulation, rewards vary between 4 percent and 30 percent of revenues recovered due to corruption reports, with critics pointing out that lower rates are applied to larger amounts. The maximum reward has also been capped at 3 billion won.

Under the revised rule, 30 percent of recovered funds will serve as the basis for reward calculation, regardless of the total amount saved. However, the final amount may still be reduced depending on the report's contribution and accuracy, officials said.

The revision will go into effect on Tuesday next week, officials said.

Edited using generative AI tools. 
Source: https://www.koreajoongangdaily.com/korea/3-billion-won-cap-on-reward-for-reporting-corruption-removed/12888011

Comprehension

What did the government decide to remove from the rewards for people who report corruption?
What percentage of the recovered funds can now be used as the basis for rewards?
What was the previous maximum reward for corruption reports?
Why did the government decide to change the reward system?
When will the revised rule take effect?

Discussion

Do you think giving larger rewards will encourage more people to report corruption? Why or why not?
Would you report corruption if you could receive a large financial reward? Why or why not?
Do you think 30% of recovered funds is a fair reward? Why?
What problems might arise if people report corruption mainly for the money?
Should the government reward people for reporting other types of illegal activities? Why or why not?
What are some reasons people might be afraid to report corruption?
Besides financial rewards, what other ways can a government encourage people to report corruption?
Do you think protecting whistleblowers is important? Why or why not?

Vocabulary

ceiling – the highest amount that is allowed
reward – money or something given for doing something helpful or valuable
corruption – dishonest or illegal behavior, especially by people in positions of power
violation – an action that breaks a law, rule, or agreement
recovered – obtained again, especially money that was lost or taken
commensurate – appropriate or proportional to something
revised – changed or improved from an earlier version