[26.02.27] Korea to Reinspect Illegal River Occupations, Tougher Penalties for Omissions

Government to Conduct Comprehensive Reinspection of Illegal River and Valley Occupation Facilities… Strict Discipline for Deliberate Omissions

📍Following President Lee Jae-myung’s Order, Full March Survey and Summer Intensive Crackdown… Plan to Strengthen Surcharges

The government will begin a comprehensive reinspection of illegal occupation facilities in rivers and valleys nationwide starting next month. If deliberate omissions or false reports are discovered during the inspection process, disciplinary measures against responsible officials and institutional warnings will be imposed concurrently, and serious violations may be referred for criminal investigation.

This measure follows instructions from President Lee Jae-myung during a Cabinet meeting, in which he ordered a full reinspection of the status of illegal occupation facilities and strict accountability for omissions.

🔹 First Full Survey in March… Additional Inspection Before Monsoon Season
The Ministry of the Interior and Safety announced on the 27th that it will form a government-level consultative body to comprehensively reinspect illegal occupation facilities in rivers and valleys. 

The first inspection will be conducted for one month from March 1 to 31. Subsequently, an additional inspection will be carried out in June before the monsoon season to check again for omissions. The scope of the investigation will be expanded beyond designated river zones to include blind spots.

The government plans to reexamine all illegal occupation facilities by responsible actor, thoroughly inspecting various types such as private commercial facilities, temporary structures, unauthorized decks, platforms, and tents.

🔹 Three-Month Intensive Crackdown in Summer… Deployment of Special Judicial Police
From July to September, the peak water recreation season, the period will be designated as an intensive crackdown phase. Each local government will deploy dedicated personnel, including special judicial police officers, to strengthen on-site enforcement.

This measure reflects the characteristic increase in illegal occupation of valleys and rivers for commercial purposes during the summer season. The government stated that it will maintain a strict stance, combining criminal punishment and the imposition of surcharges rather than focusing solely on guidance.

🔹 Safety Inspection Task Force… Criminal Referrals for Collusion or Concealment
A safety inspection task force will also be formed, consisting of the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, climate and environment-related ministries, forestry authorities, agriculture authorities, and local governments. On-site verification will be conducted to ensure that the reinspection does not proceed in a perfunctory manner, and the appropriateness of the investigation itself will also be reviewed.

If deliberate omissions or negligent management are discovered during the reinspection period, disciplinary measures against the individuals involved and institutional warnings will be imposed concurrently. In particular, if serious matters such as collusion with business operators or organized concealment are confirmed, the case will be referred to investigative authorities to pursue criminal liability.

🔹 “It Cannot Be Only 835 Cases”… Presidential Remarks
This comprehensive reinspection was triggered after the President strongly questioned the reported result of “835 cases nationwide” presented at the Cabinet meeting on the 24th.

President Lee Jae-myung stated, “Is it believable that there are only 835 cases nationwide?” and added, “When I conducted investigations in Gyeonggi Province, I remember the number being much higher.” He further pointed out that “There are many cases where officials see violations but pretend not to see them and fail to classify them as violations,” calling for audits of responsible officials and local governments.

Accordingly, the government has expanded the scope beyond simply identifying the current status to also examine the credibility of the investigation process and issues of public service discipline.

🔹 Plan to Strengthen Surcharges… Principle of Penalties Exceeding Illegal Gains
The government will also pursue institutional improvements, reflecting criticism that the current level of sanctions is lower than the economic benefits gained from illegal occupation.

It plans to establish a sanction system with real deterrent effect, including the imposition of surcharges exceeding unjust profits. This is based on the judgment that existing measures centered on removal orders or relatively small fines are insufficient to prevent recurrence.

Interior and Safety Minister Yoon Ho-jung stated, “If illegal occupation facilities are deliberately concealed or investigations are not properly carried out despite the opportunity for reinspection, we will mobilize all available means to impose strict punishment,” and urged officials to approach the reinspection with determination to completely eradicate illegal occupation practices.

One-line summary : The government will conduct a nationwide reinspection of illegal river and valley occupations and impose strict penalties for deliberate omissions.