Predication and Necessity in Korean NP-NOM NP-NOM philyoha- Clauses

This paper argues that Korean NP-NOM NP-NOM philyoha- clauses are structurally nonuniform. Previous studies have mainly described an experiencer construction in which NP₁ denotes the need-bearer and NP₂ functions as an ordinary complement. I argue that Korean also allows a predicational structure in which philyoha- is a one-place predicate of necessity selecting a lower predication. The clearest evidence comes from clauses whose second nominative is an eventive verbal noun, as in examples meaning ‘The patient needs surgery’ and ‘This case needs an investigation.’ In these cases, NP₁ is interpreted through the event denoted by the VN, typically with an undergoer- or target-oriented construal, and many core examples permit a close passive-like paraphrase. Building on Song and Dubinsky’s (2018) predicated-predicate analysis, I propose that NP₁ receives structural nominative as the raised subject of lower predication, whereas NP₂ bears predicate nominative. This analysis explains the ordering, referentiality, case marking, and interpretation of Korean double nominative philyoha- clauses, and supports a more generally heterogeneous analysis extending beyond familiar experiencer-based accounts in previous research.