Anti-Graft Law Effects

[Anchor Lead]

A week has passed since the Kim Young-ran anti-graft law was introduced. In a somewhat tense atmosphere in which people avoid any social interaction that can cause a problem, some industries are suffering from the effects.

[Pkg]

Despite the rising expectations that Korean society will embrace positive change from the new anti-corruption law, there are some adverse effects. High-end restaurants and golf courses experienced a drop in the number of customers, while the demand for congratulatory or condolence flowers has plummeted.

[Soundbite] Flower Shop Owner : "Farms don't plant flowers at all. I have no idea about what we flower shops, wreath producers and deliverers should do for a living."

An atmosphere is widespread in which people avoid anything that can get them into trouble, although they are allowed to receive meals or gifts worth less than 27 U.S. dollars at work for the purposes of socialization or better job performance. A report predicted that the implementation of the Kim Young-ran law could cause an annual loss of more than ten billion U.S. dollars and lead to a consumption cliff.

[Soundbite] Kang Shin-op(Lawyer, Korean Bar Association) : "People are confused about the unclear definitions of socialization, manners and work-relatedness."

The Anti-corruption and Civil Rights Commission has received some 1,000 written questions about violations for six days since the implementation of the law. But the reality is that the commission is unable to give clear answers before the Supreme Court sets precedents.