South Korea to expand crackdown on local corruption

South Korean President Lee Jae-myung praised police for investigating local corruption, which he said undermines local self-government and decentralisation.

The National Office of Investigation said its eight-month crackdown uncovered 785 cases involving 2,288 people, and 1,094 people were referred for further action.

Local corruption can involve entrenched ties between officials and others in a community, making it difficult to report or address.

Lee warned that corruption could weaken local competitiveness and put public safety at risk through shoddy construction.

He said the government would work to replace unfair practices with fairness and clear rules in local public offices.

A second crackdown is planned from November, with investigations set to cover local public offices more broadly.