1. Confucianism has had a profound influence on South Korean society, establishing cultural, social, and ethical norms. However, some of Confucianism's teachings, such as reciprocity, have also contributed to corruption in South Korea's political and economic systems. 2. While Confucian values like family, education, and loyalty helped spur South Korea's development, the emphasis on reciprocity has led to corrupt exchanges. The widespread education of Confucian patriarchy also contributed to immoral behavior in political leadership. 3. The South Korean government has introduced new anti-corruption laws to change customs and reduce corruption. However, these laws may negatively impact domestic businesses and livelihoods

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CORRUPTION AND CONFUCIANISM IN SOUTH KOREA
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It has been generally noticed that the place where corruption exists is the place which is deprived
of goodness, honesty, loyalty etc. As a matter of fact, corruption is generally the dishonest and
fraudulent conduct by those either in power. The individuals are involved in bribery usually or in
unethical behavior that leads to the whole concept of corruption. It has being noted by authors that
corruption should not exist in the society. It is the right of every individual to have a corruption
free society where they can live in peace and harmony. (Kofele-Kale, 2000). However, with
regards to the topic of the essay which is related to the aspect of corruption and Confucianism in
South Korea. It is first important to discuss the entire role of Confucianism in South Korea. To
keep it in a broader view or perspective it can be stated as Confucianism is related to the teachings
of confusions. It has a profound effect on South Korea. The element of this whole concept is more
or less related to the aspect of humanism. It is one of the most rational and intellectual ways for
the individuals to learn to be a good human being for the world. Confucianism does not only form
the society but has also contributed economically, politically, socially towards the society. (Kim,
and Park, 2003). The elements of the concept comprises of 6 words which include Li which means
prosperity, the next word is Hsiao which means love within the family, the third word is Yi which
means righteousness, the fourth world is Xin which means honesty, the fifth word is Jen which
means benevolence and the last word is Chung which means loyalty to state. On the other hand,
Confucianism is also contributing economically towards the development of South Korea.
(Hofstede, and Bond, 1988). It is contributing towards the educational sector, people will sacrifice
their wealth in order to get the education or attain it. It also includes the area of loyalty and
mortality aspect which is altogether contributing towards the growth of the nation. With regards
to political development and effect on the South Korean society, it can be said that it contributes
towards the establishment of norms and culture which influences the political operations in the

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society. Confucianism is the cornerstone of the Korean judicial system. With regards to the social
effect, it can be put into simple words that it is establishing the base of the society with regards to
culture, social and ethical values, norms and beliefs. It is the driving force as well as the guide
which people are following to lead their lives in order to become a good human being in the
society. It has being noted that this entire concept is the key to bringing success and education in
South Korea. (Sorensen, 1994). As the elements of the whole concept of Confucianism focuses on
the different aspects of love and loyalty etc. it means that this is its contribution towards the social
factors of the South Korean economy. It has brought stability in such a way that it has brought the
individuals who are living in the country together and brought the element of collectivism within
them.
On the other hand, if the entire concept is seen as good then it is also seen in a negative perspective
as well. With regards to the elements of the Confucianism, it can be said that it also serves as a
basis for corruption in the society. In order to counterfeit this aspect, it can be said that although
Confucianism is working on the aspect of economic, political and social stability but South Korea
is still struggling with the stability regarding the cultural aspects. The culture that is being defined
as inherently unstable. Which means that although the entire concept is focusing on positive
elements such as peace, harmony, and collectivism yet it is the main way of triggering corruption
in the economy as well. One of the major cause of the corruption with regards to the teaching on
of Confucius can be the element of reciprocity. It is the practice of exchanging things with others
for mutual benefit. However, the exchange is mutual and not one sided which violates the teachings
of the concept of Confucianism as it focuses on giving and not taking. It has also being observed
that capitalism is also one of the aspects which lead to the corruption and is derived from the aspect
of Confucianism. (You, 2005).

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In order to analyze the entire concept of Confucianism it can be stated that although the teachings
of Confucius as a whole has served the base of developing moral guidelines for the society of
South Korea and the individuals who dwell in it but there are instances when these teachings has
also led to the aspect of corruption that exists within South Korea today. It is also the trigger
towards the immoral behavior which people exhibit today. To put in a narrow perspective and give
it more understanding; corruption that exists currently in South Korea is because of the concept of
reciprocity which has being flourished due to the teachings of the elements of Confucianism. The
corruption that exists within the roots of the political leadership in South Korea is related to the
widespread education of Confucian patriarchy and patriarchal discipline. It has also contributed
towards the immoral behavior which has being mentioned before such as the corrupt behavior. As
the corruption is rising in the society the right teachings are declining and are fading away. On the
other hand, although Confucianism is the only guideline but morality is influenced by other factors
or aspects as well, such as laws and media. The guideline though strong but is not being adopted
and implemented well in the society. The joint aspect of collectivism as a whole triggers the aspect
of corruption. It has being noted that corruption exists internally which is slowly and gradually
taking away the essence of the South Korean economy as the whole. There are policies which are
working towards bringing about a change in the economy of South Korea and to reduce corruption
as much as possible with regards to the teachings and the individual behaviors. (Palley, 1992).
However, in order to reduce corruption there have been recent developments and initiatives have
being taken in order to bring anti-corruption laws. The laws are proposing the aspect to change the
social customs and business culture in South Korea. One of the major focus of this law is to
eradicate corruption and use the right teachings of the concept of Confucianism and apply that in
the society. The elimination of corruption will bring the society back together and will create a

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sense of patriotism of people towards the country which they might have lost due to the corruption
that exists in the society currently. Although it has being observed that corruption generally exists
in South Korea with reference to the cultural context which means it is contradicting with the
Korean tradition. However, by bringing in anti-corruption laws the government is taking the first
step towards making the society, the country and the economy a better place to live in for the
individuals. On the contrary, the recent development in anti-corruption laws has also being
criticized and it has being stated that it will also generate a negative impact on the economy. Since
the law is targeting towards the luxury goods, meal and services provided by the business and it
will no longer be acceptable; this is serving as the threat to the provider of domestic goods and
services which mean that the law is directly targeting their core aspect of livelihood. This means
that there should be a contingency plan in order to deal with the situation that currently exists in
the South Korean economy
In a nutshell, it can be recommended that it is important for the South Korean economy to use the
teachings which have set the base for their understanding and their culture as whole in the right
manner. Although the government is making arrangements and it is making ways to curb the
corruption but it is also important to introduce laws which serve to be beneficial for all. In order
to reduce corruption the policies, rules, and regulations should be implemented and there should
be strict laws for those who exhibit such act of corruption or gamble with the core elements of the
society of South Korea. The corruption cannot be eradicated in just one day but certain corrective
measures can be taken in order to reduce it in the economy. Also, the aspect which has triggered
corruption in South Korea should be dealt with. It is important to work on the social and cultural
norms in the society which will eventually lead to eliminating corruption as a whole. It can be
concluded that although the teachings of Confucius has directed people towards the right path and

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is serving as a moral guideline but that guideline needs to be implemented in the right manner to
get proper results.

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Bibliography
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