Strong nationalism leads Koreans to push public servants to the edge of capability since the KCSS is the most reliable engine to pull the nation. As a Korean proverb says, they are whipping a galloping horse. The political ideology of the Korean people is very clear. There have been few incidents of liberal or socialist arguments These voices have never turned out to be political currency. No progressive political parties have earned any noticeable political support.
Conservative minds emphasize traditional norms.
People's expectations tend to be higher than actual practice in such virtues as integrity, faithfulness, accountability, helpfulness and diligence. The most important variable to explain the general negative attitude toward civil servants is likely to be the one from constitutional choice level. The KCSS has served regimes for three decades which lacked political legitimacy. It has been the prime instrument for many undemocratic and unjust conspiracies as well as successful industrialization. President Kim's administration also caused some scandalous events which smeared its legitimacy.