The Improper Solicitation and Graft Act, known as the ‘Kim Young-ran Law’ became effective last September. This law applies particularly to administrations, schools and media societies but I think it may be a good example to the entire Korean society.

We already know that requesting, giving gifts or even treating someone to a meal can be seen as a demanding thing rather than pure intention, especially if it is related to the profession. In addition, we can see many people exchanging gift sets during the big holidays such as Chuseok and New Year’s Day. Even though it is mostly done to express gratitude, sometimes the gifts are too formal or excessive. The problem is some people are doing this without taking it seriously. That is why we need a guideline to change such bad practices.

I hope that the enforcement of this law will be an opportunity to change people’s mind fundamentally and improve the tradition of exchanging gifts or money that can possibly be a burden to each other.

Kim Joo-hyoung
Dept. of Dutch ‘13

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