Public View of Firms Improving

A survey finds that the public's view of companies has improved for two straight years. The Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry surveyed two-thousand South Korean men and women ages 20 and older and says the favorable impression index on businesses scored a record 54 out of 100 in the year's first half. As for moves the respondents hope companies take in the future, 45 percent sought increases in hiring, 24 percent better employee welfare and 15 percent higher national competitiveness. Some 64 percent believed antibusiness sentiment is relatively high in the nation, and 51 percent said entrepreneurial spirit has heightened. Both figures are increases from the survey conducted in last year's second half.