Civic Engagement in the Energy Transition since Fukushima and its Impact on Renewable Energy Policy Competition in South Korea

This paper tries to explore how the Fukushima disaster in 2011 had an unfathomable impact on the whole Korean society into reflecting the national energy policy as well as promoting energy transition. Awakened by the Fukushima disaster, the dormant Korean citizens on nuclear issues regathered for denuclearization and climate change. Various civic groups are converging on energy transition by carrying out science-based campaigns. Recently, grassroots citizens threatened by micro-dust are actively engaging energy transition toward renewable energy. The Fukushima disaster has begun to crack the nuclear energy alliance in South Korea. We argue how grassroots citizens formerly marginalized have revitalized denuclearization movements and lead the energy transition since the Fukushima disaster. By focusing on frame shift and competition, we highlight the denuclearization frame tried to compete with a robust rival frame equipped with developmentalism and flawless science. Fukushima is a great teacher for revitalizing the dormant denuclearization movement and catalyzing citizen engagement in energy transition to renewable eneregy. To compete with the stronger rivals, more people join regional solidarity and masterful frames are developed.