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Budget agency's subsidy reporting center recovers zero won since April opening

According to data the planning and budget agency provided to Democratic Party lawmaker Kim Nam-jun, its national subsidy fraud reporting center received 44 reports after opening in April this year, but no money had been recovered through fraud detected via the center.

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Democratic Party of Korea lawmaker Kim Nam-joon delivers opening remarks at a microphone.
Democratic Party of Korea lawmaker Kim Nam-joon delivers opening remarks at a capital markets seminar featuring NYSE Group President Lynn Martin at the National Assembly Members' Office Building in Yeouido, Seoul, on August 10, 2026.

According to data the planning and budget agency provided on the 16th to Democratic Party lawmaker Kim Nam-jun, the national subsidy fraud reporting center has received 44 reports since opening in April this year. The amount recovered so far through subsidy fraud detected via the center was zero won.

Of the 44 reports received, 30 were closed for failing to meet reporting requirements. Of the 14 referred to the responsible ministries, six were processed as not constituting subsidy fraud.

No separate budget was allocated to the center this year, and the planning and budget agency has no dedicated staff for it. Five employees of the Korea Fiscal Information Service handle the center's work alongside their existing duties.

The subsidy fraud review subcommittee, which examines suspected cases, has met once this year since its establishment in May. That meeting addressed suspected cases identified through on-site inspections; online reports were not included on the agenda.

Subcommittee review is limited to cases involving at least 10 million won in improperly received subsidies. For online reports where the amount is difficult to establish at intake, the responsible ministry must verify the amount and establish that it meets the threshold before the case can qualify for review.

The agency says establishing the reporting center and strengthening its operating arrangements are laying the groundwork for stronger detection and recovery. It said it plans to move toward implementation by incorporating expanded reporting rewards and a dedicated unit within the Korea Fiscal Information Service into next year's government budget proposal.

Kim called for easier reporting and changes to review procedures so that online reports could also be considered when the amount of improperly received subsidies has not been established. He also stressed that sanctions and recovery following on-site inspections of national subsidy projects must leave no gaps.