"National Assembly Meal Tickets Sold Cheaply" on Danggeun Market...Netizens Question Embezzlement

Meal tickets for employees sold at 3,000 won
'Embezzlement' applies if items belong to the assembly member's office

[Asia Economy Reporter Jang Sehee] A post claiming to sell meal tickets for National Assembly staff at a discounted price has drawn public criticism. Some have pointed out that if the tickets were processed as office expenses for lawmakers, it could essentially be considered embezzlement.

According to a compilation of Asia Economy's coverage on the 16th, on the 12th, a post appeared on the secondhand trading platform Danggeun Market offering National Assembly meal tickets for sale. The author, Mr. A, stated, "I am selling meal tickets that can be used at the National Assembly's internal library, National Assembly Museum, and other facilities," adding, "They are available to the general public and taste good." He posted photos of dozens of meal tickets, selling them at 3,000 won, which is 1,200 won cheaper than the original price of 4,200 won.

The reactions from netizens who saw the post were mostly negative. Mr. Seo, in his 20s, said, "I think these are office expenses, so I don't know if it's okay to sell them like that," and added, "When I checked again two days later, the post had been deleted." Mr. Kim, in his 40s, also said, "If they didn't buy them with their own money, isn't this embezzlement?" and called it "absurd." Mr. Choi, in his 30s, said, "I'm curious whether the meal tickets were actually purchased with personal funds," and added, "I was going to report it, but the post was deleted."

The police also believe that embezzlement charges could be established. An investigating officer from a frontline police station in Seoul stated, "If the meal tickets for staff are property owned by the lawmaker's office, embezzlement charges can be established," adding, "These items are originally designated for staff meals, and the moment they are sold, it can be seen as having the intent of illegal gain." Embezzlement in the course of duty applies when a person entrusted with another's property violates their official duties by embezzling or refusing to return the property. It is punishable by up to 10 years in prison or a fine of up to 30 million won.