Unveiling the impact of policy entrepreneurs on South Korea’s social economy: a media analysis

This study examines the influential role of policy entrepreneurs in shaping social economy (SE) policies in South Korea. By analysing 423 news articles from 18 diverse media outlets over two decades, the research examines the presence and impact of policy entrepreneurs within the Korean SE sector. Utilizing a combination of quantitative techniques, such as semantic network analysis, and qualitative methods, including discourse analysis and literature review, the findings reveal the dynamic evolution of policy entrepreneurs' impact in response to changing policy agendas within the SE sector. Initially operating behind the scenes to institutionalize SE policies following economic crises, these policy entrepreneurs later acquired visibility and engagement, playing a crucial role in driving the enactment and implementation of SE policy initiatives. During the 2010s, they emerged as pivotal figures in capturing political attention for the sector, actively contributing to policy design and implementation at both central and local government levels, despite facing some limitations in visibility.