Government of South Korea ranks 6th in OECD trust survey, its highest ever, ahead of Australia and Japan

[Financial News]  The central government of the Government of South Korea ranked 6th in an Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) survey, its highest-ever position. It received stronger evaluations than major countries in areas such as satisfaction with administrative services and healthcare systems, as well as the extent to which public opinion can be reflected in policy. However, trust in the use of personal data and satisfaction with the education system remained below the OECD average, leaving room for improvement.
According to the Ministry of the Interior and Safety on the 30th, the Government of South Korea ranked 6th among 38 participating countries in the OECD's Public Sector Trust Survey, released on the 29th local time in Paris, France. The central government trust score stood at 51.03%.
The survey is an international questionnaire conducted by the OECD every two years. It examines not only public trust in government, but also experiences with public services, perceptions of policymaking, and the government's responsiveness. This year's survey was conducted online across 38 countries, including 33 OECD member states and five non-member countries, with about 2,000 respondents in each country. The Korea survey was carried out from September to November last year.
By country, Switzerland ranked first with 61.57%, followed by Iceland at 59.42%. South Korea's central government trust score of 51.03% placed it 6th overall and marked an all-time high, up about 14 percentage points from the previous survey, which was released in 2024 at 37.15%. The figure was well above the OECD member-country average of 40.13% and ranked higher than major members such as Australia, which placed 7th at 50.61%, Canada at 8th with 49.87%, and Japan at 11th with 45.96%.
South Korea also ranked near the top in several detailed indicators. Satisfaction with recently used administrative services came in at 79%, ranking 5th, while satisfaction with the healthcare system reached 74%, also ranking 5th. The share of respondents who believed services were likely to improve after filing complaints stood at 52%, ranking 4th. Meanwhile, 43% said public feedback gathered through hearings and other channels was likely to be reflected in policy, placing the country 3rd.
Concerns over personal data were also evident. Only 47% of respondents believed personal information would be used for legitimate purposes, ranking 23rd. Satisfaction with the education system was also low at 51%, placing 23rd. Both indicators were below the OECD average.
Minister of the Interior and Safety Yoon Ho-jung said, "The results of this OECD survey show that the government's efforts to quickly normalize state affairs after the launch of the People's Sovereignty Government and strengthen communication with the public have led to a recovery in public trust." He added, "We will continue government innovation centered on public participation and communication, and deliver administrative services that people can feel in their daily lives."


spring@fnnews.com Lee Bo-mi Reporter