(1) In order to resolve complaints from foreign investors and foreign-invested companies, a foreign investment ombudsman shall be commissioned from among persons with abundant knowledge and experience in foreign investment affairs. <Amended on Apr. 5, 2010>
(2) The foreign investment ombudsman under paragraph (1) (hereinafter referred to as the "foreign investment ombudsman") shall be commissioned by the President, after the recommendation of the Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy and deliberation and decision by the Foreign Investment Committee. <Amended on Mar. 23, 2013>
(3) Where necessary for resolving complaints from foreign investors and foreign-invested companies, the foreign investment ombudsman may request the head of a relevant administrative agency and the head of a foreign-investment related agency (hereinafter referred to as "relevant administrative agency, etc.") to render the following necessary cooperation. In such cases, the head of the relevant administrative agency, etc. in receipt of such request shall comply therewith, except in extenuating circumstances: <Amended on Apr. 5, 2010>
1. Giving explanations of a relevant administrative agency, etc. or submitting data in accordance with the standards prescribed by Presidential Decree;
2. Stating opinions of related employees, interested persons, etc.;
3. Rendering cooperation for site visits.
(4) Where deemed necessary after resolving complaints from foreign investors and foreign-invested companies, the foreign investment ombudsman may recommend the heads of relevant administrative agencies and the heads of public institutions to take corrective measures on related affairs. <Added on Apr. 5, 2010>
(5) Upon receipt of recommendations made under paragraph (4), the heads of relevant administrative agencies or public institutions shall, in writing, notify the foreign investment ombudsman of handling results within the period prescribed by Presidential Decree. <Added on Dec. 11, 2012>
(6) Where the heads of relevant administrative agencies or public institutions fail to implement recommendations made under paragraph (4), the foreign investment ombudsman may request them to submit matters concerning such recommendations to the Foreign Investment Committee as an agenda. <Added on Dec. 11, 2012>
(7) In order to promote the improvement of regulations on complaints from foreign investors and foreign-invested companies in an organized manner, the foreign investment ombudsman shall prepare an annual report on reorganization activities, such as the current status of regulations and systems obstructing foreign investment, results of improvement thereof, etc., and submit the report to the Foreign Investment Committee, as prescribed by Presidential Decree. <Added on Dec. 11, 2012>
(8) The foreign investment ombudsman shall not use data received from the heads of relevant administrative agencies, etc. pursuant to paragraph (3) or confidential information that he or she has become aware of in the course of performing duties for any purposes other than those prescribed by this Act, or divulge it to any third party. <Amended on Apr. 5, 2010; Dec. 11, 2012>
(9) The foreign investment ombudsman shall be deemed a public official for purposes of applying the penalty provisions of Articles 129 through 132 of the Criminal Act. <Amended on Apr. 5, 2010; Dec. 11, 2012>
(10) A grievance committee shall be established within the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency in order to support the duties of the foreign investment ombudsman. <Added on Apr. 5, 2010; Dec. 11, 2012>
(11) Matters necessary for the composition and operation of the grievance committee shall be prescribed by Presidential Decree. <Added on Apr. 5, 2010; Dec. 11, 2012>[This Article Wholly Amended on Jan. 30, 2009][Title Amended on Apr. 5, 2010]