Richmond Law Olympics Anti-Corruption Project

Though South Korea’s corruption scandals garner the world’s attention, few appreciate the fundamental legal and cultural changes those scandals reflect. The impeachment of President Park, the conviction of Samsung leader Lee Jae-yong, passage of the important Kim Young Ran law, and many related events show a country now at an historic pivot. Corruption traditionally tolerated or even sanctioned is today condemned and prosecuted. Though seemingly a state in crisis, South Korea is now making important advances in the promoting the rule of law.  
 
Professor Andy Spalding and the University of Richmond Olympic Anti-Corruption Research Team have spent several years researching the corruption scandals, and anti-corruption reforms, occurring on the eve of hosting the Olympic Games. As with Brazil and the Rio 2016 Summer Games, the Research Team (which consists of eight upper-level law students from the University of Richmond) has conducted extensive legal research and traveled to South Korea to interview lawyers, government officials, NGOs, and many others.  
 
We invite you to explore this site for a host of helpful resources, and to come back for frequent updates – including blog posts, video clips, and summaries of our forthcoming book – in the weeks leading up to the Games.