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On the relationship between corruption and political ideology: the case of South Korea

Author

Listed:
  • Hyun Jong Kim

    (Yonsei University)

  • Sol Lim

    (Yonsei University)

  • Tae-Hwan Kim

    (Yonsei University)

  • Yunmi Kim

    (University of Seoul)

Abstract

This article empirically investigates the relative effectiveness of political regimes liberal versus conservative in combating corruption in South Korea. Two corruption indices, the Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) by Transparency International and the Worldwide Governance Indicators (WGI) by the World Bank, are employed to measure corruption levels. Through mean difference analysis and regression analysis, some strong and consistent empirical evidence emerges, suggesting that the liberal regime might have proven more effective in combating corruption in South Korea than its conservative counterpart, assuming that the perceived levels of corruption, as measured by both CPI and WGI, serve as reasonable approximations of the actual level of corruption.

Suggested Citation

  • Hyun Jong Kim & Sol Lim & Tae-Hwan Kim & Yunmi Kim, 2025. "On the relationship between corruption and political ideology: the case of South Korea," Asia Europe Journal, Springer, vol. 23(1), pages 23-55, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:kap:asiaeu:v:23:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1007_s10308-025-00720-9
    DOI: 10.1007/s10308-025-00720-9
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Corruption; Political ideology; Political regime; Conservative; Liberal;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C20 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Single Equation Models; Single Variables - - - General
    • D73 - Microeconomics - - Analysis of Collective Decision-Making - - - Bureaucracy; Administrative Processes in Public Organizations; Corruption
    • H11 - Public Economics - - Structure and Scope of Government - - - Structure and Scope of Government
    • K42 - Law and Economics - - Legal Procedure, the Legal System, and Illegal Behavior - - - Illegal Behavior and the Enforcement of Law

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