After case of fraud, a fifth state seal

The Ministry of Public Administration and Security announced yesterday that it will manufacture the fifth seal of the state, which was tainted by fraud involving Min Hong-gyu, former chief of the government’s great seal management team.

The government also plans to enact laws banning commercial use of the great seal of Korea to prevent any profit-making abuse.

“Following the opinions of both professionals and the public, we will discard the fourth seal of the state, and replace it by a new one. During the intermission, the third great seal will be temporarily used,” said the ministry.

When the third state seal is replaced, and the law is revised, the National Archives of Korea will store the fourth great seal of Korea.

In the case of damage to the seal, such as abrasion, a crack or misplacement, the government will adopt an ordinance allowing the former one to be used.

A provision will also be enacted as well against the commercial use of the name and design of the great seal by individuals, corporations and organizations. The government plans to register its design model when the seal-making is completed.

Min had attempted to sell golf clubs made of the gold and royal seals by pronouncing himself as a master artisan of the great seal.

A maximum seven-year imprisonment and 100 million won ($89,000) fine will be imposed if the laws are breached. The ministry will hold a hearing on procedures regarding seal-making this month.

Yonhap