South Korean President Lee Jae Myung speaks during a Cabinet meeting at the presidential office Cheong Wa Dae in Seoul, South Korea, 10 February 2026. File. Photo by YONHAP / EPA
Feb. 25 (Asia Today) — President Lee Jae-myung on Tuesday promoted expanded financial rewards for whistleblowers who report stock price manipulation, saying payouts could reach tens or even hundreds of billions of won.
“Now, reporting stock manipulation can earn you tens of billions or even hundreds of billions of won in rewards,” Lee wrote on social media. “It is certainly easier than winning the lottery to change your life.”
Lee urged individuals to refrain from engaging in stock manipulation, warning that such conduct would lead to severe consequences. He added that even participants in manipulation schemes could receive reduced punishment and financial rewards if they come forward.
The president shared a post by Financial Services Commission Chair Lee Won-eun outlining plans to raise whistleblower rewards to as much as 30% of illicit gains recovered.
A day earlier at a Cabinet meeting, Lee made similar remarks about rewards for reporting collusion, telling Fair Trade Commission Chair Joo Byung-ki that generous payouts could serve as a deterrent.
The administration has said it aims to strengthen enforcement against unfair market practices by increasing incentives for insiders to report wrongdoing.
— Reported by Asia Today; translated by UPI
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Original Korean report: https://www.asiatoday.co.kr/kn/view.php?key=20260225010007766