Public Health Disasters and the Evolution of Pandemic Response Structures: A Case Study of MERS in Korea*

This study focuses on the Korean MERS epidemic and analyzes how governance structures were set up to respond to it. Compared to other countries’ responses, which were built on both hierarchical and network structures, the Korean MERS response structure evolved over time. In the first period hierarchy characterized the relationship between the central government and hospitals. In the second period, heterarchy replaced hierarchy, and in the last period heterarchy evolved into a network governance structure. Furthermore, it was found that leadership, communication, information sharing and use of information technology affected the formation of the response structures. I conclude by exploring limitations in my research and suggesting paths and perspectives for further research.