Understanding legal and ethical terminology is crucial when conducting business internationally. This guide covers the essential Korean term for “overseas bribery” and related vocabulary, helping you navigate discussions about compliance and ethical practices in a Korean context. Knowing these terms is vital for avoiding legal issues and maintaining ethical standards.
Table Of Content
Core Term
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Expression: 해외뇌물
Pronunciation: hae-oe-noe-mul
Meaning: Overseas bribery (literally “overseas bribe”)
Related Legal Terms
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Expression: 뇌물
Pronunciation: noe-mul
Meaning: Bribe -
Expression: 부패
Pronunciation: bu-pae
Meaning: Corruption -
Expression: 불법
Pronunciation: bul-beop
Meaning: Illegal -
Expression: 합법
Pronunciation: hap-beop
Meaning: Legal -
Expression: 처벌
Pronunciation: cheo-beol
Meaning: Punishment -
Expression: 법률 위반
Pronunciation: beop-ryul wi-ban
Meaning: Violation of law -
Expression: 부정청탁 및 금품등 수수의 금지에 관한 법률 (김영란법)
Pronunciation: bu-jeong-cheong-tak mit geum-pum-deung su-su-ui geum-ji-e gwan-han beop-ryul (gim-yeong-ran-beop)
Meaning: Improper Solicitation and Graft Act (Kim Young-ran Act) -
Expression: 수사
Pronunciation: su-sa
Meaning: Investigation (legal) -
Expression: 기소
Pronunciation: gi-so
Meaning: Indictment, prosecution -
Expression: 공무원
Pronunciation: gong-mu-won
Meaning: Public official -
Expression: 벌금
Pronunciation: beol-geum
Meaning: Fine, penalty (monetary) -
Expression: 징역
Pronunciation: jing-yeok
Meaning: Imprisonment
Phrases Discussing Bribery
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Expression: 해외뇌물은 심각한 범죄입니다.
Pronunciation: hae-oe-noe-mul-eun sim-gak-han beom-joe-im-ni-da.
Meaning: Overseas bribery is a serious crime. -
Expression: 뇌물을 제공하는 것은 불법입니다.
Pronunciation: noe-mul-eul je-gong-ha-neun geot-eun bul-beop-im-ni-da.
Meaning: Offering a bribe is illegal. -
Expression: 뇌물을 받는 것도 처벌 대상입니다.
Pronunciation: noe-mul-eul bat-neun geot-do cheo-beol dae-sang-im-ni-da.
Meaning: Accepting a bribe is also subject to punishment. -
Expression: 부패 방지법을 준수해야 합니다.
Pronunciation: bu-pae bang-ji-beop-eul jun-su-hae-ya ham-ni-da.
Meaning: Anti-corruption laws must be complied with. -
Expression: 이 거래는 뇌물 수수 의혹이 있습니다.
Pronunciation: i geo-rae-neun noe-mul su-su ui-hok-i it-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: This transaction is suspected of involving bribery. -
Expression: 관련 법규를 확인해 보겠습니다.
Pronunciation: gwal-lyeon beop-gyu-reul hwak-in-hae bo-get-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: I will check the relevant regulations. -
Expression: 의심스러운 활동은 즉시 보고해야 합니다.
Pronunciation: ui-sim-seu-reo-un hwal-dong-eun jeuk-si bo-go-hae-ya ham-ni-da.
Meaning: Suspicious activities must be reported immediately. -
Expression: 법적 자문을 구하는 것이 좋겠습니다.
Pronunciation: beop-jeok ja-mun-eul gu-ha-neun geot-i jo-ket-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: It would be good to seek legal advice. -
Expression: 해외 파트너와의 계약 시 주의해야 합니다.
Pronunciation: hae-oe pa-teu-neo-wa-ui gye-yak si ju-ui-hae-ya ham-ni-da.
Meaning: Caution is needed when contracting with overseas partners. -
Expression: 뇌물 관련 문제는 회사의 평판에 영향을 미칩니다.
Pronunciation: noe-mul gwal-lyeon mun-je-neun hoe-sa-ui pyeong-pan-e yeong-hyang-eul mi-chim-ni-da.
Meaning: Bribery-related issues affect the company’s reputation. -
Expression: 정부 관계자에게 선물을 제공할 때 규정을 따라야 합니다.
Pronunciation: jeong-bu gwan-gye-ja-e-ge seon-mul-eul je-gong-hal ttae gyu-jeong-eul tta-ra-ya ham-ni-da.
Meaning: Regulations must be followed when providing gifts to government officials.
Business Ethics Context
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Expression: 기업 윤리가 매우 중요합니다.
Pronunciation: gi-eop yul-li-ga mae-u jung-yo-ham-ni-da.
Meaning: Corporate ethics are very important. -
Expression: 모든 직원은 윤리 강령을 숙지해야 합니다.
Pronunciation: mo-deun jik-won-eun yul-li gang-ryeong-eul suk-ji-hae-ya ham-ni-da.
Meaning: All employees must be familiar with the code of ethics. -
Expression: 투명한 경영을 추구합니다.
Pronunciation: tu-myeong-han gyeong-yeong-eul chu-gu-ham-ni-da.
Meaning: We pursue transparent management. -
Expression: 준법 감시 시스템을 강화하고 있습니다.
Pronunciation: jun-beop gam-si si-seu-tem-eul gang-hwa-ha-go it-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: We are strengthening the compliance monitoring system. -
Expression: 내부 고발 제도를 운영하고 있습니다.
Pronunciation: nae-bu go-bal je-do-reul un-yeong-ha-go it-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: We operate an internal whistleblowing system. -
Expression: 윤리 교육을 정기적으로 실시합니다.
Pronunciation: yul-li gyo-yuk-eul jeong-gi-jeok-eu-ro sil-si-ham-ni-da.
Meaning: We conduct ethics training regularly. -
Expression: 이해 상충을 피해야 합니다.
Pronunciation: i-hae sang-chung-eul pi-hae-ya ham-ni-da.
Meaning: Conflicts of interest must be avoided. -
Expression: 공정한 거래 관행을 지킵니다.
Pronunciation: gong-jeong-han geo-rae gwan-haeng-eul ji-kim-ni-da.
Meaning: We adhere to fair trade practices. -
Expression: 협력업체 선정 시 윤리 기준을 고려합니다.
Pronunciation: hyeop-ryeok-eop-che seon-jeong si yul-li gi-jun-eul go-ryeo-ham-ni-da.
Meaning: Ethical standards are considered when selecting partner companies. -
Expression: 지속가능한 경영을 위해 노력합니다.
Pronunciation: ji-sok-ga-neung-han gyeong-yeong-eul wi-hae no-ryeok-ham-ni-da.
Meaning: We strive for sustainable management.
Cultural Notes on Business Ethics
Understanding the cultural context surrounding business ethics in Korea is essential. While gift-giving can be part of relationship building, there are strict laws distinguishing acceptable gifts from illegal bribes, especially concerning public officials. The Improper Solicitation and Graft Act (commonly known as the Kim Young-ran Act) sets specific monetary limits on meals, gifts, and monetary contributions for public officials, journalists, and educators.
Transparency and compliance are increasingly emphasized in the Korean business environment. Companies are expected to have clear ethical guidelines and robust compliance programs. Foreign companies operating in Korea must be particularly diligent about understanding and adhering to local anti-corruption laws alongside international regulations like the FCPA (Foreign Corrupt Practices Act).
Suspicions of bribery or corruption are taken very seriously, and investigations can lead to severe penalties, including hefty fines, imprisonment for individuals involved, and significant damage to a company’s reputation. Therefore, fostering a culture of ethical conduct and compliance is paramount for long-term success in the Korean market.
It’s crucial to differentiate between relationship-building gestures and actions that could be construed as bribery. When in doubt, always consult with legal counsel or the company’s compliance department before offering gifts or hospitality, especially to individuals in positions of authority or public service.
Real Conversation Example
Situation: Two colleagues, a Compliance Officer (A) and an Overseas Business Manager (B), are discussing a potential issue with a foreign partner.
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Expression: A: 김 부장님, 해외 파트너사 관련해서 드릴 말씀이 있습니다.
Pronunciation: gim bu-jang-nim, hae-oe pa-teu-neo-sa gwal-lyeon-hae-seo deu-ril mal-sseum-i it-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: Manager Kim, I have something to discuss regarding the overseas partner company. -
Expression: B: 네, 박 과장님. 무슨 일인가요?
Pronunciation: ne, bak gwa-jang-nim. mu-seun il-in-ga-yo?
Meaning: Yes, Section Chief Park. What is it? -
Expression: A: 최근 보고서를 검토하다 보니, 현지 에이전트에게 지급된 수수료가 좀 과도해 보입니다. 해외뇌물 관련 법규 위반 소지가 있을 수 있습니다.
Pronunciation: choe-geun bo-go-seo-reul geom-to-ha-da bo-ni, hyeon-ji e-i-jeon-teu-e-ge ji-geup-doen su-su-ryo-ga jom gwa-do-hae bo-im-ni-da. hae-oe-noe-mul gwal-lyeon beop-gyu wi-ban so-ji-ga it-seul su it-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: While reviewing the recent report, the commission paid to the local agent seems a bit excessive. There might be a potential violation of overseas bribery regulations. -
Expression: B: 해외뇌물이요? 그럴 리가요. 계약서에 명시된 대로 지급한 건데요.
Pronunciation: hae-oe-noe-mul-i-yo? geu-reol li-ga-yo. gye-yak-seo-e myeong-si-doen dae-ro ji-geup-han geon-de-yo.
Meaning: Overseas bribery? That can’t be right. We paid according to what was specified in the contract. -
Expression: A: 금액 자체가 문제가 될 수 있습니다. 특히 현지 공무원과의 관계를 고려하면요. 부패 방지법 준수가 중요합니다.
Pronunciation: geum-aek ja-che-ga mun-je-ga doel su it-seum-ni-da. teuk-hi hyeon-ji gong-mu-won-gwa-ui gwan-gye-reul go-ryeo-ha-myeon-yo. bu-pae bang-ji-beop jun-su-ga jung-yo-ham-ni-da.
Meaning: The amount itself could be problematic, especially considering the relationship with local officials. Compliance with anti-corruption laws is important. -
Expression: B: 알겠습니다. 그럼 어떻게 해야 할까요? 바로 조사를 시작해야 하나요?
Pronunciation: al-get-seum-ni-da. geu-reom eo-tteo-ke hae-ya hal-kka-yo? ba-ro jo-sa-reul si-jak-hae-ya ha-na-yo?
Meaning: I understand. What should we do then? Should we start an investigation immediately? -
Expression: A: 네, 내부 규정에 따라 사실 관계를 명확히 파악하고, 필요하다면 법무팀과 상의해야 합니다. 투명하게 처리하는 것이 중요합니다.
Pronunciation: ne, nae-bu gyu-jeong-e tta-ra sa-sil gwan-gye-reul myeong-hwak-hi pa-ak-ha-go, pil-yo-ha-da-myeon beom-mu-tim-gwa sang-ui-hae-ya ham-ni-da. tu-myeong-ha-ge cheo-ri-ha-neun geot-i jung-yo-ham-ni-da.
Meaning: Yes, according to internal regulations, we need to clearly ascertain the facts and consult with the legal team if necessary. Handling it transparently is crucial.
Practice Tips
Understanding terms like 해외뇌물 (hae-oe-noe-mul) is crucial, especially in international business! Try familiarizing yourself with the related legal and ethical terms listed above~ Reviewing company compliance policies or news articles about corporate ethics in Korea can provide real-world context!
Practice using these phrases in hypothetical scenarios, perhaps discussing case studies related to business ethics. Discussing these topics, even in practice, helps solidify your understanding. Remember, ethical conduct and legal compliance are key to successful business operations anywhere, including Korea! 화이팅! (hwa-i-ting! – Good luck!)
