[Opinion] The Effect of Fines

Those who have traveled to Singapore in a group probably share a similar experience. The first warning from Singaporean tour guides is fines. Throwing garbage or spitting on the street is subject to a fine of 300,000 won (repeat offenders pay progressive fines). Eating on a subway warrants a fine of 300,000 won and smoking in a non-smoking area 600,000 won. A magazine said a Korean faces a fine worth a whopping 10 million won if he or she behaves in Singapore as in Korea. Even a fearless daredevil must follow rules.

The Korean government has passed a revision bill on requiring a government official or equivalent to pay a fine two to five times the bribe accepted. The convicted will also face a prison term. This law will also apply if he or she asks for a bribe or promises to accept one. Current law specifies prison terms, suspension of qualification, confiscation and additional fees levied on those who take bribes, but no fines. The Justice Ministry said fighting government corruption is hard by just using prison terms, as less than 40 percent of those convicted are penalized. The ministry said it will impose fines as well.

Whether deprivation of physical freedom or wealth, the original purpose of the penal code was intended to specify fitting punishments for violations and prevent crime. Korea has a wide range of fines, but most are for a small amount and applied in relatively minor violations. This has little preventive effect. Some say heavier fines like those in advanced countries are needed and that the fines should be imposed in proportion to an official’s economic capability.

According to the National Police Agency, 1,027 people were arrested at the candlelight protests. Nine remain in custody, 936 were released, 56 were referred to summary trial, and 26 were dismissed with warnings. What is puzzling is that most people referred to summary trial were fined 100,000 to 200,000 won but thanks to a compensation system paying 50,000 won per day depending on the number of days one is held in custody, they paid nothing. Aren’t the government and police so generous? No wonder that those who broke the law can speak louder.

Editorial Writer Lee Jin-nyong jinnyong@donga.com