The Hierarchy-Oriented Bureaucracy of South Korea: A Type of Neo-Weberian State?

This paper explores the evolution and operational dynamics of South Korea’s bureaucracy through the lens of a neo-Weberian state (NWS) model. It argues that South Korea’s bureaucratic system, which is deeply rooted in Confucian hierarchical principles, has uniquely adapted to modern administrative challenges and reforms influenced by new public management (NPM) ideologies. This paper traces the historical trajectory from the Confucian meritocracy of the Chos?n Dynasty to the contemporary handling of the COVID-19 crisis, encompassing various significant reform periods, with a focus on hierarchy variations: H1, H2, and H3. This analysis highlights how South Korea’s bureaucracy has managed to maintain efficiency and effectiveness while integrating market-driven and performance-oriented reforms. Furthermore, this paper discusses the bureaucratic response to “wicked problems”?complex social issues requiring multifaceted and innovative solutions?and demonstrates the bureaucracy’s adaptability in times of crisis. This is illustrated via an examination of key case studies, including the rapid implementation of COVID-19 drive-through testing centers, thereby showcasing the bureaucracy’s agility and effectiveness in crisis management. This paper ultimately supports the view that, despite global trends toward decentralization and deregulation, a strong hierarchical bureaucracy can effectively meet contemporary governance challenges, reflecting a distinctive NWS approach.