Effective whistleblower protection is critical to combating corruption and promoting transparent governance. This policy brief provides an introductory overview of the Republic of Korea’s (ROK) whistleblower protection system and its implementation efforts.

Specifically, the brief reviews the legal framework for whistleblower protection in the ROK, defining eligible disclosures and the responsibilities of relevant stakeholders. It outlines institutional mechanisms and tools for protection including reporting channels, confidentiality safeguards, and anti-retaliation measures. By showcasing the role of the Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission (ACRC), the ROK’s anti-corruption agency, this brief also provides an overview of the system’s operational aspects.

It also offers a preliminary comparative analysis of the system’s strengths and weaknesses, focusing on three aspects: legal framework, institutional mechanisms and tools, and implementation practices. Moreover, a comparative lens is applied to highlight distinctive elements of the ROK approach and to explore insights for adaptation in development context for other countries seeking similar reforms.

By sharing the ROK’s model, this brief demonstrates the value of a whole-of-government strategy under strong leadership of ACRC. Complemented by a separate knowledge product offering a more in-depth analysis of the ROK’s whistleblower protection system, it gives policymakers and anti-corruption professionals valuable insights to tailor their own frameworks, thereby strengthening integrity systems globally.