The State’s Authority in the Organizing of the World of Business: Corporatist Business Interest Representation in South Korea

This article examines the state’s authority in the organization of the business interest representation system in South Korea. This paper sheds light on its double-sided nature by analyzing various dimensions of the system such as the origins and legal status of the BIAs in South Korea, their policy roles, and the state’s control on the selection of their leaders. Apparently, the state-dominant arrangements of the business interest representation system coexist with the privatist aspect, guaranteeing the privileged position of the BIAs in the policy process. In particular, the case of the Industry Development Law indicates the weakening of the South Korean developmental state and the increasing importance of BIAs and other private actors in the policy process.