chaebol

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noun chae·bol \ ˈchā-ˌbōl , ˈje-ˌbəl \

Definition of chaebol

plural chaebol also chaebols

:a family-controlled industrial conglomerate in South Korea

Recent Examples of chaebol from the Web

South Korean President Moon Jae-in, who replaced Park in snap elections May 9 following the confirmation of her impeachment, has vowed to rein in the power of the chaebol.

— charlie campbell / beijingg, Time, "Samsung Heir Lee Jae-yong Jailed for Five Years for Corruption," 25 Aug. 2017
Even if Lee is not convicted, South Korea’s new president, Moon Jae-in, has promised to take steps to weaken dynastic control over the conglomerates, or chaebol, that dominate the Korean economy.

— jeyup s. kwaak, The Seattle Times, "As Samsung executive awaits verdict, his company surges," 7 Aug. 2017
The scandal that ousted Park renewed pressures to end such corruption and to reform the chaebols, whose domination of the economy is thought to be stifling competition and hindering innovation.

— youkyung lee, The Christian Science Monitor, "South Korea strives for more labor-friendly growth and financial equality," 25 July 2017
Samsung is the largest of South Korea’s chaebol, with interests in gadgets, appliances, shipbuilding and construction.

— amie tsang, New York Times, "Samsung, Seeking to Move Past Scandals, Forecasts Record Profit," 7 July 2017
Delivering on campaign promises to reform the chaebol and create jobs for young people will be difficult.

— jiyeun lee, Bloomberg.com, "President 'Moon-bama' Enjoying a Honeymoon in South Korea," 23 May 2017
The appointment is in keeping with President Moon Jae-in’s pledges to reform the chaebol.

— youkyung lee, The Seattle Times, "South Korea names ‘chaebol sniper’ as antitrust chief," 17 May 2017
Park was impeached over a massive corruption and influence peddling scandal that implicated a number of chaebol executives.

— youkyung lee, The Seattle Times, "South Korea names ‘chaebol sniper’ as antitrust chief," 17 May 2017
And if the economy slows, lawmakers may fear that constraining the chaebol would further endanger growth.

— michael holtz, The Christian Science Monitor, "Can South Korea's Moon heal the public distrust that fueled his victory?," 10 May 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'chaebol.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of chaebol

Korean chaebŏl, from chae wealth, property + pŏl faction, clan

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First Known Use: 1984

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