74% of the Public Say "Companies Should Take the Lead in Solving Social Issues"
Public perception of domestic companies has improved. Factors contributing to this positive sentiment include their contributions to the national economy and job creation. In particular, the public expressed a desire for companies to strengthen their social responsibilities as members of society, extending beyond their economic roles.
The Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry announced on the 27th that, according to its recent '2025 Corporate Favorite Index (CFI·Corporate Favorite Index)' survey of 1,000 men and women aged 18 and older nationwide, the public's favorability rating toward companies was 56.3 out of 100. This is the highest score since the survey was first conducted in 2003, and marks the third consecutive year that the score has exceeded the favorability baseline of 50 points.
The 'Corporate Favorite Index' quantifies the degree of positive sentiment the public holds toward companies. It is calculated by combining seven key factors?productivity, international competitiveness, contribution to the national economy, ethical management, community involvement, corporate culture, and eco-friendliness?with overall favorability. The closer the score is to 100, the higher the favorability.
This year's survey found that improvements in corporate culture, efforts toward ethical management, and management practices benefiting local communities and the environment were evaluated more favorably than in previous years. 'Corporate culture improvement' rose by 4.9 points from 50.9 to 55.8, the largest increase among the seven evaluation factors. 'Ethical management practices' and 'community involvement' also increased by 3.1 points and 2.3 points, respectively. Overall favorability climbed by 3.1 points, driving the overall score upward.
In contrast, the 'productivity improvement and technology development' indicator was the only one to decline, continuing a downward trend since 2023. The Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry interpreted this as reflecting concerns that the competitiveness of domestic companies may weaken due to global supply chain instability, both domestic and international uncertainties, and intensified competition in high-tech industries.
When asked why they felt positively about companies, respondents most frequently cited 'contribution to the national economy (40.8%)', followed by 'job creation (26.5%)' and 'social contribution activities (11.8%)'. As for reasons for unfavorable views, 'insufficient efforts to improve corporate culture (31.6%)' and 'lack of compliance and ethical management (26.3%)' were cited in that order.
Regarding the top priorities they expect from companies, respondents cited the following in the economic sector: ▲creation of quality jobs (39.7%), ▲active research and development (R&D) and new technology development (20.6%), and ▲growth into global companies (16.1%). In the social sector, the priorities were ▲improving employee welfare and ensuring a safe working environment (31.7%), ▲coexistence between large and small businesses (17.8%), ▲compliance management and prevention of misconduct (14.7%), and ▲practicing eco-friendly management (11.1%).
Additionally, when asked about companies addressing various social issues, 74.0% of respondents said it is 'essential as a member of society', nearly three times higher than the 26.0% who said 'the economic role of companies should take priority'. The Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry analyzed this as a significant increase from last year's figure of 58.6%, indicating a growing perception that companies should strengthen their social responsibilities beyond their economic roles.
Park Iljun, Executive Vice Chairman of the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry, stated, "It is very encouraging that public favorability toward companies has increased despite domestic and international uncertainties." He emphasized, "In order for companies to faithfully fulfill their fundamental roles such as improving productivity and technology, policy support is needed, including regulatory reform and R&D assistance from the government." He added, "We will work to spread a new entrepreneurial spirit so that companies can build trust by expanding their social roles."
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