Court imposes first fines for violation of the Kim Young-ran Act

British author Arthur C. Clarke has built up his reputation with a series of science fiction novels such as a “Space Odyssey.” During his lifetime, he was even considered as one of the three masters in the science fiction novel. Throughout his masterpiece, Clarke formulated “Clarke’s three laws.” First, when a distinguished but elderly scientist states that something is possible, he is almost certainly right. When he states that something is impossible, he is very probably wrong. Second, the only way of discovering the limits of the possible is to venture a little way past them into the impossible. Third, any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic.

Clarke’s second law somewhat reminds us of the enduring determination of mankind for its adventurous exploration in the infinite universe. When it comes to laws and systems, mankind is no different at all. Unfortunately, a good will does not necessarily guarantee happily ever after. A medical graduate school is a perfect case in point in Korea, such that a good motive does not result in successful outcome in reality. It was intended to provide students with various academic expertise and diverse backgrounds with more opportunities to become doctors. However, the consequence was only diabolical that engineering and science schools were devastated under the new school system. In the end, most of universities have begun closing medical graduate schools and, instead, reinstated bachelor’s course for medical students. Only five medical graduate schools will open next year.

The Improper Solicitation and Graft Act, also known as the Kim Young-ran Act, was originally intended to prevent corruption. However, the nation has been hearing increasing noises across the nation since the Act was implemented at the end of September. Restaurant owners complain that their sales reduced more than 20 percent over the past two months, saying that they do not even anticipate any turnaround in December. If college students, who would soon graduate, miss classes to attend job interviews, he or she would be marked absent regardless of reasons. As witnessed, the new system with good intentions conflicts with conventional, or entrenched, customs.

The first case of imposing fines for violating the anti-graft law has been reported in Chuncheon City. The Chuncheon District Court found guilty of a middle-aged woman in her 50s and imposed fines worth of 90,000 won. She was reportedly accused of giving a box of rice cakes worth of 45,000 won to a police officer, who was in charge of her case. She responded that she did it only to thank the officer, but the Court ruled that it was considered as a gift to a public worker. A clear set of guidelines will be invented after cases regarding the anti-graft law are accumulated as time goes by, and the nation will understand what type of customary actions or behaviors will be accepted. Unfortunately, to that point, it may cause unexpected victims of disgraceful judgement and unnecessary cost.

leej@donga.com