For the purposes of this discussion, organized crime in South Korea is defined as "criminal acts committed against society for the sole purpose of increasing profit and influence, even by use of violent means." According to 1992 statistics reported by the Korean National Police, there may be more than 300 organized crime families in South Korea and the number of members more than 6,500. Ten crime families that maintain nationwide networks have gained power over extensive regions and have begun to control the underworld throughout the Nation. Also, the crime families have become strong financially in the growing economy, have developed extensive networks of influence over social organizations and business interests, and have threatened the integrity of the Korean social and political structure. Economic and political power have allowed organized criminals an opportunity to expand their empires and protect themselves from detection and prosecution. The changing and expanding economy and the shift to pleasure-seeking among economically affluent citizens have created a fertile ground for organized crime families throughout Korea. Violence between rival organized crime groups is common and is likely to continue in the future, given the maneuvering for territory where huge profits can be amassed by crime families that control the expanding markets. 9 notes and an 18-item bibliography