THE SPECIAL investigation of the clamorous Samsung scandal which broke out on Oct. 29, 2007 has ended as of April 22, 2008 with Samsung Group Chairman Lee Kun-hee’s announcement of the company’s reform agendas. The measures were indeed shocking, for it included resignation of Lee himself as well as other core figures of Samsung.

   Opinions will vary regarding the settlement of the issue, but not a single person would have been restful while Samsung Corporation continued to remain at the heart of national controversy, whether it be due to the bitter realization of Samsung’s powerful influence over politics, personal comments about laywer Kim Yong-chul, or worries over shaking of Korea’s largest conglomerate.

   This scandal may be a relevant example to demonstrate the outcomes for prioritizing economy before essential moral values. Before moving on, it has to be admitted that Samsung has greatly contributed to strengthening our economy and marking Korea’s image to many foreign countries, enabling Korean citizens to hold a sense of confidence. It is also indubitable that Samsung holds the top quality of human capital as its employers. Nonetheless, people have also condoned many wrongdoings of Samsung because it is the breadwinner of numerous citizens. People have been overwhelmed by its size that not many has made attempts to give bitter, yet salubrious criticism to the company.

   What is happening around us, unfortunately, is our reality, and nothing can be done to reverse it. Still, what we must remember is to not put a lukewarm end to the issue or slander a specific individual, but keep a constant eye upon Samsung for a more matured Samsung as well as the advancement of the Korean country.

Comments about Samsung’s reform agenda are polarized from “a drastic reform” to “a stop-gap measure” which does not address the inveterate problems of succession of the company’s management position. Nonetheless, one thing holds true among the chaos. That is, patience and interest are desperately needed from the citizens. Embarrassing to admit, Koreans have the proclivity to be swept over by sensational issues, then forget them after a few months. This applies even when problems have not come to a satisfactory resolution. Now is the time for all citizens to mull over directions for a healthier Korea. How we overcome this national crisis will enormously affect overall citizens’ confidence and be a touchstone to building trust with overseas nations.