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Strengthening Damage Compensation Guarantee System for Firefighters' On-Site Response and Significantly Expanding Obligations to Respond to Personal Information Leaks

- In September, a total of 66 statutes, including the Framework Act on Firefighting Services, will take effect

Starting in September, various measures will be implemented to protect public safety and rights and support work-life balance, such as mandatory subion to liability insurance to ensure firefighters can perform on-site operations without worry, expanded sanctions and notification obligations regarding personal information infringements, introduction of a sole arbitrator system for consumer dispute resolution, and establishment of spouse miscarriage or stillbirth leave. The Ministry of Government Legislation (Minister Cho Won-cheol) announced that a total of 66 laws and regulations will take effect this September. Some of the key details and enforcement dates of the forthcoming statutes are as follows.

Mandatory Enrollment in Liability Insurance for Firefighters and Establishing Legal Grounds for Firefighting Activity Surveys (Framework Act on Firefighting Services, September 3)

A legal foundation will be established to ensure firefighters can actively engage in firefighting activities without hesitation and to build a smooth on-site response system. To ensure compensation for damages caused by the performance of firefighting duties, the Commissioner of the National Fire Agency or mayors/governors will be mandated to subscribe to insurance or mutual aid. In addition, a new legal basis will be established to conduct data surveys on firefighting activities, including building structures and uses, enabling firefighters to respond swiftly and smoothly at fire and accident scenes.

Significantly Strengthening Sanctions for Personal Information Infringements and Expanding the Role of Data Protection Officers (Personal Information Protection Act, September 11)

Corporate accountability for large-scale personal information leaks will be strengthened and prevention obligations will be significantly reinforced. Previously, notification to data subjects was required only in cases where personal information was lost, stolen, or leaked. Through this legal amendment, the scope is expanded by adding cases where personal information is forged, altered, or damaged. Furthermore, in order to prevent the spread of damage at an early stage, a notification obligation is imposed even when becoming aware of the possibility of a leak. In addition, administrative fines of up to 10 percent of total revenue may be imposed for repeated and severe personal information infringements, addressing the limitations of current sanction measures.

Introducing a Sole Arbitrator System for Consumer Dispute Mediation and Establishing Legal Basis for Litigation Support by the Korea Consumer Agency (Framework Act on Consumers, September 11)

Legal mechanisms to promptly remedy consumer damages and effectively support post-dispute remedies will be strengthened. First, to enhance the speed of consumer dispute resolution, a sole arbitrator system will be introduced, allowing a single mediator designated by the chairperson of the Mediation Committee to address minor disagreements or simple issues between the parties. Furthermore, a legal basis will be established for the Korea Consumer Agency to provide legal representation or assistance in drafting complaints through appointed attorneys in cases where a business refuses to accept the dispute mediation decision or where dispute mediation procedures are suspended due to lawsuits filed by the business.

Establishment of Spouse Miscarriage or Stillbirth Leave and Expansion of Spouse Leave Before and After Childbirth (Equal Employment Opportunity and Work-Family Balance Assistance Act, September 18)

Leave systems will be strengthened to improve caregiving conditions for men during their spouses' pregnancies and to support work-life balance. The existing "Spouse Paternity Leave" will be expanded and renamed to "Spouse Leave Before and After Childbirth," allowing it to be used up to 50 days prior to the expected date of delivery. Additionally, a new system will be introduced allowing workers to request up to 5 days of spouse miscarriage or stillbirth leave (with the first 3 days paid) if their spouse suffers a miscarriage or stillbirth. Furthermore, the case where hiring a replacement personnel is impossible among the various grounds for denying reduced working hours during childcare periods will be removed, enhancing the effectiveness and utilization of the system.