The Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission has proposed a budget of 186.2 billion won for the upcoming year, an increase of 74.5 billion won compared to this year. Notably, 40.2 billion won will be allocated to the newly established 'Whistleblower Incentive Fund,' which will include existing compensation for whistleblowers.
On September 8, the commission announced that it submitted its 2027 budget and fund proposal to the National Assembly to support its vision of a 'people-centered government, a happy Republic of Korea together.' The proposal is based on three main strategies: proactive field-centered responses to resolve public grievances, institutional improvements based on citizen feedback and administrative appeals for rights protection, and the establishment of anti-corruption laws and systems while promoting a culture of integrity.
To better hear and address citizens' concerns, the commission will initiate the first phase of an artificial intelligence (AI) platform project. This phase will involve real-time analysis and classification of complaints received through the Citizen's Report Center, suggesting optimal solutions to case handlers based on past similar resolutions. The budget for the AI-based platform has significantly increased from 450 million won this year to 14.73 billion won next year.
Additionally, to alleviate public confusion caused by the numerous government consultation numbers, the commission plans to integrate non-emergency consultation numbers into the 110 hotline. Following a pilot program in 2026 that combined 15 central administrative agencies' representative numbers and six general consultation call centers into 110, the commission aims to add 13 more central agencies and 17 general consultation centers next year. The budget for this integration will rise from 15.01 billion won this year to 25.71 billion won next year.
Furthermore, the commission will enhance compensation for whistleblowers and public interest informants. In the second half of this year, the commission plans to eliminate the cap on compensation for reports of corruption and violations of public finance recovery laws. To proactively address this, related budgets will be transferred and increased under the newly established 'Whistleblower Incentive Fund.' Compensation for whistleblowers will increase from 4.9 billion won to 45.1 billion won.
The commission will also strengthen its response to collective and unique complaints that incur significant social costs. New budget allocations will support investigation activities focused on resolving these complaints through fieldwork and dialogue. The commission plans to share cooperation and successful outcomes among central administrative agencies, local governments, and public institutions through workshops. The budget for this initiative will grow from 230 million won this year to 6.99 billion won next year.
Lastly, the National Integrity Education Center will enhance its integrity and rights education functions. The center will expand outreach educational programs for elementary, middle, and high school students and develop educational courses for future generations. To improve outdated educational facilities, the center will modernize its infrastructure to better reflect the country's international standing and promote a culture of integrity. The budget for these enhancements will increase from 2.97 billion won this year to 3.18 billion won next year.
Jung Il-yeon, chair of the Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission, stated, 'We will proactively resolve the inconveniences citizens face in their daily lives and create a society where the value of integrity is respected, realizing a happy Republic of Korea together.' He emphasized the importance of ensuring that the 2027 budget and fund proposal are thoroughly reflected during the National Assembly's review process.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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