Potential to Export to South Korea

Section II: Political & Legal Analysis

A. Political Ideology

Since its inception in 1987, the democracy in South Korea has been greatly reinforced. This is proven by numerous facts: the three separated branches of government, operating under a system of checks and balances; the periodic presidential and legislative elections (every four and five years, respectively); the wide-scale voting of citizens (every Koreans over 19 are allowed); the government’s efforts to promote voting; the presence of two main opposite political parties (the Saenuri and the DUP); the guaranteed minority rights and the right of a fair trial;… There are, however, many claims about the “erosion” of democracy in South Korea, especially when the government is defamed. For example, some journalists are charged for lampooning the government in the Sewol incident. Earlier, several pro-Korea DPR party’s members were arrested, which led to the breakup of this party. Moreover, the 2012 election is proved to be intervened by an agency to support the current president.

Nevertheless, South Korea is still generally considered a democratic country. If we were to establish a company in the country, we will operate safely in a stable country since its government is largely supported by the population. Its programs will be carried out without the fear of being changed. The democratic government also creates an open playground for us because our business will unlikely to be interfered and limited by the authorities. The price of coffee will be controlled by the local demand with no fixed range imposed by the government. The consumers are also free to choose the product they want.

Democracy also means that this country’s government must be accountable to its electorates. As a foreign company, we are somehow “harmful” to the domestic. Thus, the electorates might stand against us to protect the domestic industries, consequently affecting our business. In addition, there is also the risk of a sudden...