Bar and Tavern Owners Enjoy Government Investigation

Ms. Hwang, a 39 year old tavern proprietor was pleasantly surprised to find large amounts of money showing up in her accounts. More than 10 government officials, who are regular customers, deposited 32 million won into her bank account to clear up their debts. Hwang said, 'This is a windfall. I gave up on some, because they have been in debt for two to three years.' Mr. Chung, another bar owner received 20 million won in the past one week.
Officials who are afraid of being investigated hurried to banks to pay off their debts. This was a result of a recent declaration of the government's investigation unit to scrutinize more closely middle and low ranking civil servants. A local government official said, 'Many officials here made a vow to clear up their debts and to drink at home after the declaration.'
Officials who are likely to incur these kinds of debts are policemen, tax officials, and local government servants. The officials in these sectors, a drink house owner near Suwon City Hall said, 'came to clear their debts voluntarily. Some asked me to keep it a secret.'