Ok..... getting back to the original question (and yes its an interesting one). I might get shit on for over generalizing, but hey..the question was asked and I'm attempting to answer
I think what LaserJet is saying is this: SPs from China (& older ones from Hong Kong) have traditionally dominated the local market. That's a given, but in the past 6-12 months, much talent from Korea has exploded onto the local scene and to a lesser extent Taiwan. Valid question and would like to hear more viewpoints on the dynamics behind it.
I like Richmann's idea on a macro level when it comes to Korean SPs. However there is a significant difference in mindset amongst SPs from China, Korea and Taiwan.
In general, many SPs from China are driven and in it for basic reasons (feed the kids, send money back home to family, save up to buy a couple of houses, support the deadbeat hubbie, change of direction after a divorce, etc. etc.) and yes the money they can make here could be 8-10X more than what they make back home.
From what I've observed of the Korean SPs, many tend to be younger (19-25 yo range). For many its strictly about the money, but partying like a rock star in the wee hours is all part of the fun. Oh and they might aspire to own as many pairs of designer shoes with matching designer purses as possible, aspire to drive a luxury car, they might have gambling debts to settle back home, or they might have credit card bills stacked higher than your all-in bet
In Taiwan, if you're not in the PC, chip foundry or financial services industries, then you might be 'stuck' in the gambling, nite life/entertainment or Betel nut biz, so for the Taiwan SP's its all about aspiring to a higher socio-economic status with emphasis on the latter

For this reason, Taiwan SP's can come across as care-free, but they tend to take the biz more seriously. Many value independence and living life on their own terms. Not unusual for one to work 3 months straight, then do some extensive traveling & shopping around the world. When they deplete their funds, they'll be back at it again to build up the bankroll. The money they can make here is roughly double or triple what they make back home
So there you have it. You have your opportunistic survivors, your socialite - materialists, or your enterprising globetrotters. To which political party would you like to make your donation??
