Corruption in South Korea

Corruption in South Korea is moderate compared to most countries in the Asia–Pacific and the broader international community.

[3] Former South Korean president Park Geun-hye was found guilty in 16 charges, including abuse of power and bribery, and was then imprisoned for 25 years.

[4] Another former president Lee Myung-bak was also charged with corruption scandals involving major companies in 2018 and was sentenced to 17 years in jail.

[5] As a result of such scandals, coupled with other incidents, such as the Sewol ferry disaster, a 2015 report released by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) showed that "[a]almost 70 percent of South Koreans distrust their government, while less than 30 percent of them are confident in the nation's judicial system."

[7] However, large chaebols pose significant difficulties as illicit business behaviour is still common among them.