Lunar New Year Kim Young-ran Act Relaxation... Agricultural, Livestock, and Seafood Gifts Increased from 100,000 to 200,000 Won

Approval of the Amendment to the Enforcement Decree of the Improper Solicitation and Graft Act at the Cabinet Meeting on the 19th

On September 14 last year, a large supermarket in downtown Seoul displayed Chuseok gift sets priced over 100,000 won. To overcome the economic downturn caused by the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19), the government temporarily eased the gift limit for public officials under the Improper Solicitation and Graft Act (commonly known as the Kim Young-ran Act) from 100,000 won to 200,000 won for agricultural, livestock, and fishery products. Photo by Kim Hyun-min kimhyun81@

[Asia Economy Reporter Moon Chaeseok] The government has decided to raise the gift limit for agricultural, livestock, and fishery products under the Improper Solicitation and Graft Act for public officials and others from 100,000 won to 200,000 won during the Lunar New Year holiday.

On the morning of the 19th, the government approved a partial amendment to the Enforcement Decree of the "Act on the Prohibition of Improper Solicitation and Graft" at the 3rd Cabinet meeting.

From that day until the 14th of next month, the gift value limit for Korean beef, fish, fruit, flowers (all agricultural, livestock, and fishery products), red ginseng, salted seafood, kimchi, etc. (all processed agricultural, livestock, and fishery products) will be adjusted to 200,000 won.

Gifts that undermine the fairness of job performance for public officials with high job relevance are not allowed. For example, inappropriate gifts should not be given to supervisory or supervised institutions under audit or investigation, public officials in charge of permits, and applicants.

An official from the Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission stated, "The gift value range under the Improper Solicitation and Graft Act applies when received by public officials related to their duties," adding, "There have been cases where the general public misunderstood that the same standards apply to them, so we plan to actively promote 'Understanding the Improper Solicitation and Graft Act' together with related ministries to correct this."

The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs and the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries plan to implement various measures to revitalize consumption so that this measure leads to increased consumption of domestic agricultural and fishery products.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs has been conducting the Lunar New Year promotional event "Let's Give Discounts on Korean Agricultural Products, Lunar New Year Special" linked with agricultural and livestock product consumption coupons from the 15th of last month until the 10th of next month.

Promotions are held at about 18,000 stores nationwide, including large supermarkets, small and medium-sized marts, traditional markets, and local food direct stores. Discounts of 20-30% (30% at traditional markets) are given up to a limit of 10,000 won per person.

The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries is running the "Korea Fisheries Grand Sale - Lunar New Year Special" from the 18th of last month until the 10th of next month, offering discounts on dried yellow corvina, anchovies, and more. Participants include eight offline marts nationwide, four consumer cooperatives, 15 online shopping malls, four fishery startups, and about 9,000 Zero Pay affiliated stores in traditional markets.

A 20% discount (30% at traditional markets) is provided up to a limit of 10,000 won per person.

Minister Kim Hyun-soo of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs and Minister Moon Seong-hyeok of the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries welcomed the increase in the gift value limit. They conveyed the encouraging atmosphere among the agricultural and fishery industries and related organizations, who expect expanded consumption of agricultural and fishery products.

The agricultural and fishery industries are facing great difficulties due to decreased consumption caused by reduced dining out and suspension of school meals. Major agricultural and fishery products such as apples, pears, ginseng, Korean beef, dried yellow corvina, and abalone heavily rely on holiday consumption, so a decrease in visits home results in significant damage.

The industry explained that during last year's Chuseok period (September 10 to October 4), raising the gift value limit to 200,000 won led to a 7% increase in agricultural and fishery gift sales compared to Chuseok 2019, with sales of gifts priced between 100,000 and 200,000 won increasing by 10%.

Ministers Kim and Moon said, "The agricultural and fishery industries will take the lead in promoting the Lunar New Year gift-giving campaign."

Former Chairman Jeon stated, "We will actively support field opinion gathering and legal interpretations of the Improper Solicitation and Graft Act when implementing support measures for related industries such as the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs and the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries."