Seventh Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Day

ACRC will commit to making a clean nation free of unfair privileges and irregularities an inclusive nation for all

February 27, 2019

Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission

The Republic of Korea

Government prizes were awarded to organizations and individuals who made a contribution to the spread of anti-corruption and integrity culture and the enhancement of civil rights.

The ACRC celebrated Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Day on March 27 at the Government Complex, Sejong, and granted 41 government prizes and 67 ACRC chairperson commendations to 7 agencies and 101 people of merits. The event was attended by about 300 people including distinguished guests and award laureates such as the presidential secretary for civil society, Lee Young-seon, and co-chairman of Transparency International Korea, Lee Sun-hi.

The event started with a vide clip “The Voices of People” showing stories of citizens who contributed to civil rights protection and what they hope from the ACRC.

At the awards ceremony followed, 41 government awards, including one order, one medal, and 67 ACRC chairperson awards were given to 7 organizations and 101 individuals who have contributed to the spread of anti-corruption and integrity culture and the promotion of citizens’ civil rights.

By sector, in the anti-corruption area, You Han-beom, managing director of Transparency International Korea received an Order of Civil Merit-Magnolia Medal for his contributions to the enactment of the Improper Solicitation and Graft Act and the launch of the Public-Private Council for Transparent Society.

In the area of civil rights improvement, Kim Ji-yeon, a director at the Ministry of Environment received an Order of Service Merit for her contributions to the improvement of public service quality through the operation of a public service mileage system and the expansion of idea contest on People’s Idea Box of the e-People.

Additionally, a presidential award was given to Hong Hyun-keun, a director at the Korea Association of Persons with Physical Disabilities, for his efforts to improve transportation convenience for the physically challenged. Seol Young-chun, a public official for the Gyeonggi Province, received a prime minister’s award for his contributions to the administrative appeals system for improving appeal procedures used by disabled citizens to file civil petitions.

Since 2013, the ACRC has celebrated February 27 every year as Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Day because February 27 is the day when King Taejong of the Josun dynasty issued an order to install a large drum, Shinmoongo, outside the palace to communicate with the citizens. The event is designed to reflect the spirit of respecting the people and proclaim itself its will of protecting citizens’ rights and interests in and outside.

“The ACRC has been unwavering in its commitment to the eradication of corruption and the resolving grievances in our society,” said Pak Un Jong, chairperson of the ACRC. “We will continue to strive to creating a corruption-free and just Korea, a country where the people’s interests are protected above all else.”

The ACRC will implement its 2019 major policy goals of generating anti-corruption achievements benefiting citizens, prioritizing the protection of the underprivileged, and achieving innovation in communication channel with the people to build “a clean nation without unfair privileges and irregularities and inclusive nation.”