Korea introduced its toughest-ever legislation against corruption involving public officials to an international conference Tuesday.

Lee Sung-bo, chairman of the Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission, also pledged that Korea would play an active role in promoting global cooperation to build a more transparent society.

He is currently leading the Korean delegation to the fifth conference of the United Nations Convention against Corruption in Panama City, which runs from Monday to Friday.

“Corruption is a worldwide phenomenon, which should be resolved through the collective efforts of the international community,” Lee said in his keynote speech to the world’s largest gathering of delegates of anti-corruption organizations.

Lee presented the country’s “Prevention of Illegal Solicitation and Conflict of Interest” bill, which is currently under review at the National Assembly.

“The bill is aimed at prohibiting illegal solicitation which impedes fair performance of public duties as well as punishing public officials for receiving money or valuables regardless of duty-relatedness or any favor in return,” Lee said at the conference.

He added that the bill would provide a comprehensive framework for preventing conflicts of interest that may arise as public officials carry out their duties.

The ACRC chairman also spoke about Korea’s progress in implementing the “Act on the Protection of Public Interest Whistleblowers” and the ACRC’s recent effort to amend the act to expand protection for whistleblowers.

Initiated 10 years ago, UNCAC is the only legally binding universal anti-corruption instrument. During the five-day meeting, representatives of 167 countries and states that have signed the convention have discussed best practice and successful models.

By Oh Kyu-wook (596story@heraldcorp.com)