The present Korean public administration and policy system has shown very significant differences compared to the system in 1970s. This book provides a comprehensive and holistic view on the development of Korean public policy and administration.
Instead of dichotomizing the policy and administration, this book integrates two fields to provide a more holistic view on the Korean public sector. The book also attempts to overcome simplified explanations on the developmental state theory. The book aims to explain who the key actors are during the post-democratization period, how the administrative systems reform, and what kinds of social problems are transformed into public policies. This explanation suggests that the role of government shifts from a dominant actor to an actor within a complex network governance.
This book will be a useful reference to anyone who wishes to learn more about the experience of the Korean development and the role of administration and policy.
'The three editors of this book have assembled an excellent collection of essays on public administration and policy in the Republic of Korea. The collection is comprehensive and provides numerous insights into how government in Korea makes and implements public policy. This will be a very useful book for any scholar interested in Asian governments.' - B. Guy Peters, Maurice Falk Professor of Government, Department of Political Science, University of Pittsburgh
'The Korean miracle cannot just be explained by its economic performance, but also by the capacity of its public administration. This book shows why and how the Korean public administration is part of the country's success. Its public management and its public policies are not considered as a burden but as a leverage for the country's development. This book by Namkoong, Cho and Kim shows clearly why and how the public sector can be part of a solution. For that reason, this book has relevance beyond Korea, and beyond the Asian region.' - Professor Geert Bouckaert, KU Leuven Public Governance Institute, and President of the International Institute of Administrative Sciences (IIAS)
