Lee Hojoong Directly Asks at Briefing: "Are 'Envelopes of Money' Given During Fire Safety Inspections?"

Questions Raised at National Fire Agency Briefing on January 8
"Fire Safety Inspections Are Meant to Help Prevent Fires...
Small Business Owners and the Self-Employed Should Not Feel Burdened"

Minister of the Interior and Safety Lee Hojoong addressed small business owners and the self-employed on January 8, stating, "Fire safety inspections are conducted to help prevent fires," and emphasized, "There is absolutely no need to prepare envelopes (with money) or anything of the sort."

The minister's unexpected mention of 'bribes' came during a briefing by the National Fire Agency held at the Government Complex Sejong that day.

Yonhap News Agency

On this day, Minister Lee asked Kim Seungryong, Acting Commissioner of the National Fire Agency, "There are reportedly many complaints from small business owners and the self-employed that fire safety inspections are conducted too frequently. Why do you think they feel burdened? Just to be clear, when fire inspectors come, do small business owners or the self-employed prepare envelopes?"

Acting Commissioner Kim replied, "That used to happen during the industrialization era," but added, "These days, it has almost entirely disappeared."

Minister Lee pressed further, "Is it almost entirely gone, or is it completely gone?" to which Acting Commissioner Kim emphasized, "I believe it has completely disappeared, and institutionally, such issues are no longer being found in the field."

Acting Commissioner Kim went on to say, "It seems that small business owners are facing difficulties. In particular, building owners are concerned because fire safety inspections often lead to additional costs for facility improvements," explaining why small business owners may feel burdened by the inspections.

After hearing Acting Commissioner Kim's response, Minister Lee urged, "I hope viewers understand that fire safety inspections are intended to help prevent fires, not to impose any kind of burden. I would like everyone to keep this in mind." He also requested small business owners and others, "There is absolutely no need to prepare envelopes or anything like that. Please do not feel pressured by this."