Rule of Law in South Korea

South Korea—and all of East Asia—has come along way in developing democracy and a free market economy, but weak legal systems cloud its economic and political future. Corruption pervades every part of daily life, and in many parts of East Asia the rule of law is deteriorating. In this book, a group of expert contributors examine the challenges of fully implementing the rule of law in South Korea's fledgling democracy and market economy. The contributors detail the obstacles that must be overcome, such as corruption in politics and corporate governance and a deep-rooted cultural indifference to the rights of the individual, and offer suggestions on what can—and what should not—be done.

 

The Rule of Law in South Korea ultimately makes a strong case for legal reform that promotes understanding and education on the importance of the individual, showing that not enough attention has been paid to the sanctity of the individual person in the rule-of-law debate. Members of the public must understand that the basic function of the rule of law is to protect their individual rights. Perhaps even more important, the book points out that education alone is not sufficient and exemplary behavior from political leaders is essential to move forward toward the rule of law.