Filed Under: Economy, Politics, South Korea

On May 24, 2010, Lee Jae Oh, Chairman of the Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission (ACRC) covered several imminent challenges South Korea faces today, including the Cheonan incident, the Korea-U.S. Free Trade Agreement and the anti-corruption activities under the Lee administration.

Chairman Lee presented official comments on the Cheonan incident, denouncing North Korea’s attack on the Cheonan as an intolerable act of aggression. He explained that the South Korean government would act in consultation with the international community and seek global cooperation to safeguard world peace and prevent future aggressions by North Korea.

Lee encouraged the U.S. Congress to promptly ratify the Korea-U.S. Free Trade Agreement (KORUS FTA), suggesting that the ratification of the KORUS FTA would further the current U.S.-Korea alliance and friendship. Despite disparities in the two countries’ economic interests, a prompt ratification of KORUS FTA would close that gap and promote mutual benefits.

Finally, Chairman Lee presented the anti-corruption policy under the Lee administration. South Korea has emerged as a highly industrialized and democratic country and has achieved enormous economic success, despite its lack of resources and land, and its relatively small population. However, to become an advanced nation and raise national competitiveness, the South Korean government is implementing anti-corruption policies through the ACRC to eradicate corruption, a problem which has become rooted in Korean culture. The South Korean government is implementing various anti-corruption policies such as integrity assessments on publicly funded institutions and projects. Furthermore, the ACRC seeks to create a new norm where strong integrity is the core value in all public administrations. Chairman Lee also suggested that the South Korean government is seeking to share its experiences with other countries and to learn from Western countries as well.

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Transcript | “Anti-Corruption and Transparency: South Korea’s Pathway to Preeminence in the Asia-Pacific” (May 24, 2010)