Korea's Corporate Integrity Ranked 21st Among 194 Countries, Says Anti-Corruption Commission

Announcement of 'Bribery Risk Matrix Assessment' Results on the 26th

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Sejong=Asia Economy Reporter Moon Chaeseok] The government announced that South Korea ranked 21st out of 194 countries this year in a corruption risk assessment related to demands for bribes due to permits and approvals, achieving its highest ranking ever.

On the 26th, the Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission, the main anti-corruption agency, released the results of the "Bribery Risk Matrix Evaluation." This index was jointly developed by the RAND Corporation, a leading American think tank, and TRACE, a provider of risk management solutions.

According to the Commission, South Korea achieved its highest-ever ranking of 21st this year, scoring 21 points out of 100. A lower score indicates a lower risk of bribery. South Korea's rankings have improved consecutively over five years: 33rd in 2017, 25th in 2018, 23rd in 2019, 22nd in 2020, and 21st this year.

Chairperson Jeon Hyun-hee of the Commission stated, "International evaluations of South Korea's integrity have continuously improved in recent years, as seen in other indices such as the Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI)." She emphasized, "This progress reflects the results of anti-corruption reforms pursued by the government." She added, "We will actively promote the government's anti-corruption policy efforts and achievements to the international community to establish the brand and status of 'Clean Nation Korea.'"