Gyeonggi Province Awards 99.79 Million Won in Rewards to 25 Whistleblowers This Year

Gyeonggi Province awarded a total of approximately 99 million won in rewards to whistleblowers this year.

The Gyeonggi Provincial Audit Committee announced on December 16 that it had granted a total of 99.77 million won in rewards to 25 whistleblowers who reported through channels such as the "Public Interest Reporting Hotline" this year.

The Gyeonggi Province Public Interest Whistleblower Support Committee reviewed rewards for whistleblowers on four occasions this year. At the Public Interest Whistleblower Committee meeting held on December 15, it was decided to grant a total of 22.81 million won in rewards to 12 individuals who reported violations related to public health, environment, safety, and corruption.

This review actively considered rewards for reports closely tied to everyday life, such as violations of the Medical Service Act, River Act, Food Labeling and Advertising Act, Clean Air Conservation Act, Trucking Transport Business Act, Fire Facilities Act, and Framework Act on the Construction Industry.

On this day, the committee also selected seven individuals as distinguished whistleblowers for their contributions to promoting public interest reporting and protecting and supporting whistleblowers through official deliberation, and decided to present them with a Governor’s Commendation at the end of the year.

Gyeonggi Provincial Government

Ahn Sangseop, Chairperson of the Gyeonggi Provincial Audit Committee, stated, "It is necessary to expand public interest reporting on various illegal activities affecting residents' daily lives," and added, "We will continue to work to further promote public interest reporting through various publicity activities."

Public interest reporting in Gyeonggi Province refers to reports of violations of 497 laws related to the province’s administrative affairs, including issues affecting residents’ health and safety, the environment, and consumer interests. It also includes reports of corruption, violations of codes of conduct, improper solicitation and acceptance of money or valuables, conflict of interest, and fraudulent claims.

Reports can be submitted through the dedicated "Gyeonggi Province Public Interest Reporting Hotline (hotline.gg.go.kr)." If the report is verified as true and leads to administrative or judicial action that contributes to the public interest, the whistleblower may receive compensation and rewards.

Meanwhile, for those who fear disadvantages due to exposure of their identity and do not wish to disclose personal information, an anonymous proxy reporting system is available, allowing a lawyer to file the report on their behalf.