The Evolution of Safe Sport Policy Governance in South Korea : Analyzing Polity, Politics, and Policy Dimensions

This study examines the polity, politics, and policy dimensions of South Korea’s Safe Sport policies, which have undergone significant changes in recent years since 2018. Specifically, it provides a comprehensive analysis of the evolution of human rights policies in Korean sport, focusing on the institutional environment, power relations and interactions among key actors, and policy instruments and goals. The analysis reveals that institutional foundations were established within a government-led framework through collaboration with private-sector actors. The government played a leading role in institutional development and policy promotion, while private expert groups contributed to the institutional design process initiated by the government. Civil society actors influenced the process through public discourse and social pressure. This multidimensional governance approach demonstrates that policy formation and implementation are shaped by a complex interplay of institutional structures and stakeholder interactions rather than occurring in isolation. By systematically analyzing the components of each dimension, this study provides a theoretical foundation for future research exploring Safe Sport governance in greater depth. Furthermore, it offers practical insights to policymakers and practitioners seeking to better understand the policy process and implement it effectively in practice.