Problems of private equity placements in South Korea and suggestions for amendable measures

Abstract

In the context of the protection of individual investors of private investment funds in South Korea, this study examines the current regulation of private placements from legal and economic perspectives. It compares Rule 506 of Regulation D in the United States with the similar regulation of South Korea. The most distinguishing feature of South Korea’s regulation is that any individual who can evidence a certain investment amount, regardless of accreditation or sophistication, is eligible to participate in private equity funds, which has recently resulted in “incomplete sales” problems in Korea. To conform to the definition of private equity, it is best to abolish the threshold criteria of minimum investment amount. Otherwise, the “sales” of private equity via commercial banks and central institutions for financial stability must at least be banned so that individual investors do not confuse private placement with public offering. In return, public advertisement can be permitted for private equity funds with only accredited investors and sophisticated investors. Public fund investment in private equities are de facto private equities; they are inappropriate for individuals, who may be confused with private funds and public funds. As such, they need to be limited.