In 2023, the Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission (ACRC) of Korea undertook a comprehensive corruption impact assessment of 1,357 newly enacted and revised laws from 46 central administrative agencies. The initiative aims to identify and mitigate corruption risks at the legislative drafting stage, ensuring that new regulations are fair, predictable, and transparent. The assessment systematically analyzed factors such as ambiguous concepts, regulatory gaps, and the appropriateness of administrative discretion. By addressing these issues early, the ACRC seeks to prevent corruption before it can occur and strengthen the integrity of public administration.
The policy directly impacts government agencies, public officials, and citizens whose rights and obligations are shaped by these laws. In total, 247 corruption risk factors were identified in 122 laws, with recommendations for improvement issued to the relevant ministries. The most common risks included regulations that were difficult for citizens to predict (32%), vague or overly broad discretionary powers (25.5%), and inappropriate levels of sanctions (10.9%). Sectoral analysis revealed that the environment and health sectors accounted for the highest proportion of recommendations (27.9%), followed by industry and development (21.3%), and national defense and veterans affairs (16.4%).
The corruption impact assessment is an ongoing process, with the latest results reflecting actions taken in 2023. Recommendations included establishing clear operational standards for disability support centers, specifying methods for designating real estate evaluation agencies, and clarifying statutes of limitations for disciplinary actions in sports organizations. The ACRC also advised on improving transparency in social service surveys and defining qualifications for disaster management personnel. The Commission has pledged to continue and refine these evaluations in 2024, focusing on laws that significantly affect citizens’ rights and daily life.
Frequently asked questions include: What is a corruption impact assessment? It is a preventive measure that analyzes legislative drafts for corruption risks such as vague definitions, regulatory gaps, and excessive discretion, recommending improvements before laws are enacted. Which sectors received the most recommendations? The environment and health sectors led, followed by industry, development, and national defense. How will these changes affect citizens? By making laws more predictable and transparent, the policy aims to reduce corruption and protect public interests.
Korea’s Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission has taken a proactive stance by evaluating new and revised laws for corruption risks before they are enacted. This approach, grounded in systematic analysis, addresses key vulnerabilities such as vague regulations and excessive administrative discretion. The sectoral focus on environment, health, and industry highlights the policy’s relevance to everyday life and public welfare. By issuing targeted recommendations and pledging ongoing improvements, the Commission is setting a strong precedent for legislative transparency and fairness. These measures, if consistently applied, can significantly reduce corruption and enhance public trust in government processes.