The issue with this line of reasonning is we'd find similar issues in most of the other "successful" countries.
I don't think people look at most US presidents as beacons of human value and righfullness. Same for South Korea or Japan leaders. The US basically swapped "corruption" for "lobbying", revolving doors and other more evolved systems. But we'll find explaination for why it doesn't matter for these countries in particular. And these probably include the general population being wealthy enough to not let things slide behind a critical point and take a hit when shit is about to hit the fan.
Perhaps my point is there's no specific recipe for success, and in particular perception of "good government, hard-working population, and low corruption" often come after the other issues are solved and the country is on the rise.
I don't think people look at most US presidents as beacons of human value and righfullness. Same for South Korea or Japan leaders. The US basically swapped "corruption" for "lobbying", revolving doors and other more evolved systems. But we'll find explaination for why it doesn't matter for these countries in particular. And these probably include the general population being wealthy enough to not let things slide behind a critical point and take a hit when shit is about to hit the fan.
Perhaps my point is there's no specific recipe for success, and in particular perception of "good government, hard-working population, and low corruption" often come after the other issues are solved and the country is on the rise.