In Korea, shame often serves as the primary motivator behind high-profile suicides. It's rooted in the cultural concept of "chemyeon (체면)", which imposes immense pressure to maintain a dignified public image.
Shame is a powerful social force throughout the society, but we're talking about systematic screwings more often than not backed by political corruption (letting incompetent entities deal with gov contract on basis of political money and other favors) or straight fraud.