[Editorial] Let Us Remove the Disgrace of a `Corrupt Republic`

shocking finding that 9 out of 10 junior high and high school students think that Korean society is a corrupt society. Moreover, these students` moral conviction regarding corruption appeared to be dismal, leaving many speechless.

In a survey conducted by Transparency International titled `Teenager Corruption and Anti-Corruption Awareness Survey`, which interviewed 1005 junior high and high school students, 91 percent said yes to the question, `Is our society corrupt?` 72.5 percent said that South Korea counted among the 20 most corrupt nations.

Yet, 41.3 percent also said, `There is no need to abide by the law if no one is looking.` 28.4 percent expressed the opinion, `If bribery takes care of problems, one should use it`, while 33 percent said, `Even if someone witnesses unjust corruption, I will pretend to be ignorant if it harms me somehow`.

Although the respondents pointed out the problem of societal corruption, they took a very lenient attitude when it came to their own participation. The fact that they were willing to embrace corruption without any qualms is horrifying.

The blame for these teenagers` misguided views lies on the adults. The culture of corruption that has spread to various sectors of society makes a direct influence on the teenagers.

The system of corruption in politics, public offices, and businesses is deeply rooted. It promotes the force of power and money over law and reason.

Even now scandals over corrupt use of power spring up every night. As evident in the Jin Seung-Hyun Gate and the Yoon Tae-shik case, the odor of corruption among the powerful is beginning to stink.

International society also regards our country as a corrupt republic. According to a recent Transparency International index of corruption according to nations, South Korea scored 4.2 points out of a perfect 10 and ranked 42nd place out of 91 countries. This is an embarrassment.

A society permeated by corruption breeds lawlessness and drains the energy of a people who strive to live upright lives. It stops national and societal progress and economic strength. The prospects of becoming an advanced nation will become a remote reality.

Although a bill for corruption prevention passed in July of last year, laws can only do so much. The important thing is not the regulation but the consciousness. In our New Year editorial, we insisted that `We must begin eliminating political corruption for the salvation of the nation`. The current administration must be determined to eradicate all corruption in the remaining year. What kind of nation will we have when the first thing teenagers learn about is corruption?