Publication
The Korean Economic Forum
Israeli Concentration Law’s Implications for the Chaebol Reform of Korea
Sangin Park (Seoul National University)Year 2017Vol. 10No. 3
Abstract
The paper analyzes the Law for the Promotion of Competition and Reduction
of Economic Concentration (“Concentration Law”) of Israel enacted in December
2013, and discusses its applications to the top 10 Chaebols of Korea. In the
applications, this paper takes account of differences in the ownership structure of
large business groups between these two countries, which reflect different
histories of formation of business groups and government regulations. The
diferrences are most evident in the regulations on the holding company system
and the existence of circular shareholdings (indirect cross-shareholdings). The
simulation, which modifies some details of the Concentration Law in the Korean
context, indicates a possible trade-off between resolving overdiversification and
facilitating conversion into the holding company system. More detailed studies
are invited to find out an optimal policy mix to resolve the concentration of
economic power by the Korean Chaebols.