Gave firefighters 50 cups of coffee as a gift... Complaint over ‘improper solicitation’ feels far too harsh [What do you think]

According to Financial News, controversy has arisen after it became known that a self-employed restaurant owner who gave 50 cups of coffee to firefighters as a gesture of thanks was reported through a civil complaint.

Asia Economy reported on the 10th that A, who runs a restaurant in Seoul, received an unexpected phone call from the local fire station on the 3rd. The caller said that a complaint had been filed over the 50 cups of coffee A had donated to the neighborhood fire station four months earlier.
Back in October last year, A had delivered 50 cups of coffee to the local fire station to show support for firefighters. Later, however, the station’s inspection unit asked A to explain the circumstances under which the coffee was provided and whether there was any vested interest involving a particular firefighter.
A said, "It’s not as if they would put out a fire at my place first, and I found it hard to accept that simply giving coffee to people who risk their lives at work could be seen as a vested interest." A went on, "If gestures of support and good deeds come back as administrative procedures like complaints, who will step up to express their gratitude?"
According to the fire authorities, a related complaint was filed through the e-People petition system on the 2nd, and an internal review was conducted in response.
The Fire Administration Division stated, "Once a complaint is filed, verifying the facts is an unavoidable step." It added, "Since this was not a case for punishment or disciplinary action, we closed it as a guidance measure, simply informing (A, who gave the coffee) that, under the rules, it is difficult for firefighters to accept gifts from outside."
Under the current Improper Solicitation and Graft Act, the receipt of money or valuables is in principle prohibited when it is deemed related to one’s official duties. However, the enforcement decree allows gifts or snacks worth up to 50,000 won when they are considered necessary for the smooth performance of duties or for social or customary purposes.

Some observers argue that, in cases like this, the Improper Solicitation and Graft Act is out of step with the sense of sharing and neighborhood warmth that ordinary citizens feel. They point out that matters are turning into formal complaints regardless of how serious the case is or whether there is any substantive illegality.
Online commenters who read the story reacted by saying things like, "I want to scold the person who filed the complaint," "At least let firefighters who risk their lives to put out fires enjoy a cup of coffee," and "If even this kind of thing gets reported, how are we supposed to live in such a harsh world?"
sms@fnnews.com Reporter Sung Min-seo Reporter