Although its chairman recently got out of jail, Hyundai Motor is the most trusted and influential group in South Korea, a joint survey by the JoongAng Ilbo and the East Asia Institute has revealed.
The poll found that Korea's conglomerates topped the rankings in both categories, finishing ahead of even the court system. The Uri Party finished last in both.
Hyundai Motor, Samsung, SK and LG all ranked among the top five most influential groups in South Korean society, and comprised the top four most-trusted groups. Hyundai Motor led in both categories.
Among government organizations the Constitutional Court ranked the highest; it was fourth-highest of the influential groups and fifth in trustworthiness. The Blue House was ranked 13th in influence and the 21st, near the bottom, among groups trusted.
The survey revealed that the ruling Uri Party ranked last in both categories while the Democratic Labor Party ranked second to last in influence and 20th in the trust category. The Grand National Party, the country’s largest opposition party, ranked in the middle, taking 11th place in the influence category and ranking 13th as a trusted group.
Compared to last year, civic groups and labor groups saw a decline in their influence on society and trust. The People's Solidarity for Participatory Democracy ped four places from its previous rank of 16th in influence. It fell even further in public trust, to 15th from eighth last year.
Despite several incidents involving conglomerates, their standing in the public eye did not diminish, according to the survey. Hyundai Automotive Group chairman Chung Mong-koo was released from jail to go to the hospital on July 13. He has been indicted on bribery and embezzlement charges.
Kang Won-taek, a professor at Soongsil University, said the emergence of non-governmental groups indicates the nation has to cooperate with leaders of different segments of the society.
A total of 24 "power groups," ranging from conglomerates to government organizations, were evaluated on Aug 7, 8 and 9. A total of 1,543 people were surveyed by phone. The results have a 95 percent confidence level, with a margin of error of plus or minus 4.3 percent.
The survey is in its second year and is expected to be continued every year.