Work

Linking just transition and regime destabilization through sub-regime interactions: evidence from South Korea’s coal phase-out

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Although just transition in coal phase-out has received considerable policy and societal attention, research has yet to explain how it is impeded structurally by interactions among sub-regimes within an incumbent energy system. We investigated how the coal regime structure was stabilized through interactions among the electricity policy, labor market, and affected region sub-regimes. To explore coal regime structure and its potential toward destabilization under the coal phase-out policy and just transition in South Korea, we conducted in-depth interviews with 18 representatives, systematically recruited from the coal power industry and its policy sector. Data analysis revealed the following findings. First, the electricity policy sub-regime is characterized by centralized state decision-making and limited proactiveness among public power generation companies. Second, the labor market sub-regime demonstrates uneven employment impacts within a multi-layered structure spanning public power generation companies and subcontractors. Third, the affected region sub-regime plays a limited role in the transition process owing to constrained legal and fiscal autonomy. Our analysis shows that interactions among these sub-regimes mutually reinforce regime lock-in, explaining the slow pace of coal phase-out and persistent tensions for a just transition in South Korea. This framework explains why just transition is difficult to reach when each sub-regime is addressed separately, and their interactions are beyond the scope of analysis, leading to missing the intervention entry for destabilization. By linking regime destabilization theory with just transition imperatives, the sub-regime interaction framework provides a transferable analytical framework for equitable coal phase-out pathways beyond South Korea.

Source: Environmental Innovation and Societal Transitions

DOI: 10.1016/j.eist.2026.101183

Author: Seona Park

Institution: The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (Guangzhou)

Language: English

Topic: Sustainability and Climate Change Governance

Subfield: Global and Planetary Change

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Peace, justice, and strong institutions, Decent work and economic growth, Affordable and clean energy, Industry, innovation and infrastructure

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,610