Wealth, Privilege, and the Abuse of Power

An OM Perspective on the Chaebols

The chaebols of South Korea are family-owned conglomerates that dominate the nation’s economy. These corporations—Samsung, Hyundai, LG, SK Group, and others—are credited with driving South Korea’s rapid industrialization and global success. However, the immense power and privilege concentrated within chaebol families have also given rise to numerous scandals, highlighting the abuse of wealth and authority. Incidents such as "Nut Rage" and "Water Rage" have become symbols of unchecked privilege, revealing the darker side of inherited power.

From the perspective of the Oneness Movement (OM), such abuses of power represent the workings of lower consciousness (LC), where ego-driven desires for control, superiority, and entitlement dominate. This article will analyze the dynamics of wealth, privilege, and power within the chaebols through the lens of OM, exploring how these factors often perpetuate division, inequality, and harm, while suggesting how a shift toward higher consciousness (HC) could lead to more compassionate and just leadership.

1. The Dynamics of Wealth and Privilege in Lower Consciousness (LC)

In OM, LC is characterized by attachment to the ego, fear, and a sense of separation from others. Power derived from wealth and privilege often amplifies these tendencies, especially when it is inherited or concentrated within a small elite. In the case of the chaebols, power is passed down through family lines, creating a class of entitled heirs who sometimes act without regard for the consequences of their behavior on others.

Entitlement and Superiority

Chaebol family members, such as those involved in the "Nut Rage" and "Water Rage" incidents, have displayed extreme entitlement and a belief in their inherent superiority over others. This attitude is symptomatic of LC, where individuals prioritize their own comfort, status, and ego over the well-being of others. In these cases, the mistreatment of airline staff and employees reflects a complete disregard for the dignity of those perceived as lower in the social hierarchy. Such behaviors create an illusion of separation, where the privileged feel justified in their actions because they see themselves as fundamentally different and superior.

From the OM perspective, this division is artificial. All beings are interconnected, and true power comes not from dominating others but from fostering connection, understanding, and mutual respect. The behaviors of chaebol elites highlight the dangers of unchecked LC, where individuals become blind to their impact on others and perpetuate cycles of harm and exploitation.

The Illusion of Impunity

Another characteristic of LC is the belief that one is above the law or immune from consequences. Many chaebol members have engaged in abusive behaviors with the assumption that their wealth and influence will shield them from accountability. While some have faced public backlash or legal consequences, such as Heather Cho’s imprisonment, the leniency with which many chaebol family members are treated reinforces the sense of impunity that comes with extreme privilege.

OM emphasizes the importance of accountability as part of personal and collective growth. In HC, individuals recognize that their actions have consequences and that true leadership requires responsibility for the well-being of others. The abuse of power in the chaebol system reflects a lack of accountability and a failure to acknowledge the interconnectedness of all people—rich or poor, powerful or vulnerable.

2. The Consequences of LC Power Dynamics

The concentration of wealth and power within chaebols not only perpetuates individual acts of abuse but also sustains broader systems of inequality and exploitation. These dynamics create environments where a small elite benefits at the expense of the many, reinforcing societal divisions and preventing collective progress.

Social Division and Inequality

Chaebols wield immense economic and political power, often influencing government policies and labor practices. This creates a social hierarchy where the interests of the few are prioritized over the needs of the many. Workers within chaebol conglomerates, for example, may face harsh working conditions, while those at the top enjoy immense wealth and privilege. This imbalance contributes to growing social inequality, as the wealthy elite become more disconnected from the realities of everyday people.

OM teaches that true prosperity is not about the accumulation of wealth for a select few but about the well-being of the collective. Higher consciousness requires leaders to prioritize the welfare of all beings, recognizing that wealth and privilege are responsibilities, not entitlements. When leaders operate from HC, they seek to elevate others, ensuring that resources and opportunities are distributed more equitably and that everyone can thrive.

Exploitation of Labor

Another consequence of LC in chaebol structures is the exploitation of labor. Chaebols have been criticized for engaging in unfair labor practices, including long hours, inadequate wages, and poor working conditions. The concentration of power in the hands of a few allows these practices to continue with minimal oversight or accountability. Workers, especially those in lower positions, are often seen as expendable resources rather than as valued participants in the collective growth of the company.

From the OM perspective, exploitation in any form is a clear manifestation of LC. Exploiting others for personal gain reinforces the ego’s desire for dominance and control while ignoring the fundamental truth of interconnectedness. In HC, individuals and companies recognize that the well-being of workers is directly tied to the health and prosperity of the collective. Treating employees with dignity, fairness, and compassion not only benefits the individual but also creates a more sustainable and harmonious society.

3. Shifting Toward Higher Consciousness (HC): Leadership with Compassion and Accountability

While the chaebol system is often associated with LC behaviors, there is immense potential for these powerful conglomerates to shift toward HC leadership. This shift would require a fundamental rethinking of power, wealth, and privilege—not as tools for personal gain but as opportunities to uplift and support others.

Compassionate Leadership

In HC, leaders understand that their power and privilege come with responsibility. Compassionate leadership means recognizing the humanity in all people, regardless of their position in the social hierarchy. Leaders who operate from HC prioritize the well-being of their employees, the environment, and society as a whole. They understand that true success is not measured by profits alone but by the positive impact they have on the lives of others.

For chaebol leaders, this would mean adopting practices that promote fairness, inclusivity, and sustainability. Rather than focusing solely on maximizing profits, HC leadership seeks to create environments where all individuals can thrive—whether through improved labor practices, more equitable distribution of wealth, or initiatives that benefit the broader community.

Accountability and Humility

One of the most important aspects of HC leadership is accountability. Leaders who operate from HC do not view themselves as above the law or immune from consequences. Instead, they are willing to admit their mistakes, learn from them, and take responsibility for their actions. In the context of chaebols, this would mean holding family members and executives accountable for their behavior, ensuring that abuses of power are not tolerated.

Additionally, HC leaders embrace humility. They recognize that power is not a marker of personal superiority but a tool that must be used wisely and with care. Humility allows leaders to stay connected to the needs and experiences of others, preventing the disconnection and entitlement that so often accompany wealth and privilege.

Conclusion: The Potential for Conscious Leadership

The chaebols of South Korea wield immense power and influence, and with that comes the responsibility to lead with compassion, humility, and accountability. While the concentration of wealth and privilege in these conglomerates has led to instances of abuse and exploitation, the potential for transformation is equally great. By embracing the principles of higher consciousness, chaebol leaders can shift from ego-driven behaviors toward compassionate, inclusive, and just leadership.

In OM, power is not about dominance or control but about the ability to elevate others and contribute to the collective good. Chaebols, with their vast resources and influence, have the opportunity to lead by example, showing that wealth and privilege can be used to create a more equitable, compassionate, and sustainable future for all. By moving beyond the limitations of lower consciousness, chaebol leaders can help pave the way toward a world where true prosperity is shared by all.