Seoul (CNN) South Korean bosses who unfairly fire workers that complain of office bullying now face up to three years in prison or a 30 million won ($25,464) fine, under a new law aimed at cracking down on the country's toxic work culture.

The legislation -- which came into effect Tuesday -- also imposes obligations on employers to investigate workplace harassment.

The new rules are an attempt to improve labor conditions in South Korea, where intense competition for jobs coupled with the prevalence of family-run conglomerates has led to accusations of bullying.

In 2017, a National Human Rights Commission of Korea study found that over 73% of respondents had experienced harassment in the past year, while a quarter experienced harassment more than once a week.

Lawyer Shin Hana, who gives advice to employees who are subjected to workplace harassment, welcomed the law.

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