A Policy Change Effected through a Change in the Meaning of Target Populations: A Case Study of South Korea’s Limited Internet User Self-Identification Policy*

This study examines the process of policy change, drawing on the theory of the social construction of target populations to explore South Korea’s limited Internet user self-identification policy. In the early 2000s, the government directly imposed on netizens and service providers by establishing regulations that resulted in netizens being categorized as deviants. Then, as personal data spillage became a problem and the market environment changed, netizens and Internet service providers were transformed into the advantaged group needing protection. Consequently, the government relaxed its regulations and allowed Internet users to self-regulate instead. This study verifies that the process of change in the way target populations are viewed is caused by an interaction between a structure and its actors. Furthermore, positive political and economic events and social movements can rapidly transform actors, Internet users and service providers in this case, into an advantaged group.