History of air pollution control policy in Korea: Regulation of point sources in industrial complexes

The environmental policy to address air pollution problems in the industrial complexes has significantly been influenced by three dynamic factors such as industrialization, democratization, and globalization in Korea. These three processes represent quite well the changes of the broad contexts in the political, economic and social dimensions of Korea. Industrialization strongly driven by the Korean government transformed the class structure and caused serious environmental destruction. The increase of middle-income class along with economic growth provided the political soil for the growth of environmentalism in Korea. Environmentalism was also provoked and developed by the environmental degradation itself. However, it was not until the democratic transition created a political situation more favorable to environmental movement groups in Korea. In fact, democratization made it possible for environmental movement groups to grow rapidly and for environmental issues to be addressed in the public domain by eliminating so-called “issue hegemony”. However, the bureaucratic practice of environmental policy making, economic growth-oriented political ideology and little participation of the general public in environmental movement activities hindered environmentalism from dominating the public policy domain in Korea. In addition, globalization wave prompted the Korean government to drive regulatory reform, making the environmental policy domain favorable to the regulated industry. The deregulation and regulatory reform initiative driven by globalization urged the Korean government to take more decisive steps in eliminating or loosening environmental policy.; The case study of Korea confirms that the merely shift from authoritarian institution to democratic one doesn't necessarily mean deeper democratization that allows both inclusive and exclusive forms of public spheres where environmental issues are intensively discussed and vigorously addressed. Such a fundamental change requires the active engagement of civil society for democratic consolidation. However, the conflictual engagement of civil society with state in Korea hindered civil society from going beyond oppositional sphere to be able to suggest a vision for sustainable future and provide effective policy alternatives. Furthermore, globalization imposed another challenge to civil society and its movement forward a sustainable path. Civil society in Korea faces dual interlocking challenges to sustainable future: democratic consolidation and resistance against globalization.