Expansion of Public Interest Report Compensation... Support for All Litigation Costs

Enforcement of Revised Public Interest Whistleblower Protection Act on the 21st
Compensation Claims Possible Without Court Ruling

Chairperson Jeon Hyun-hee of the Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission briefing on the implementation of the amended Public Interest Whistleblower Protection Act on the morning of November 20 last year at the Government Seoul Office in Gwanghwamun, Seoul. (Photo by Yonhap News)

[Sejong=Asia Economy Reporter Moon Chaeseok] From now on, whistleblowers will be able to receive support for all litigation procedure costs arising from their reports. If the report results in the recovery of revenue for the state or local governments, compensation can be received without a court ruling.

The Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission announced on the 20th that the amendment to the "Whistleblower Protection Act" and its enforcement decree, including these provisions, will take effect from the 21st.

Under the current law, whistleblowers can apply for relief funds if they suffer economic damages such as wage loss or incur expenses for moving or medical treatment due to their report, or if they spend on litigation costs; however, litigation costs were only eligible for application when restoring disadvantages such as dismissal or disciplinary action.

With the enforcement of the amended law, whistleblowers will be able to apply for relief funds for all litigation procedure costs arising from whistleblowing. For example, if a whistleblower is sued in civil or criminal court for defamation due to their report and hires a lawyer, they can apply for relief funds to cover the lawyer's fees.

Applications are also possible for costs incurred before the enforcement date of the amended law on the 21st.