ABSTRACT
The second case study focuses on the policy field of international climate diplomacy, briefly introducing the history as well as the main literature on South Korean climate diplomacy. This is followed by findings from the analysis that while the main role conception of being a “bridge” has been stable and dominant over the observation period, the inherent tension between Korea’s global role model aspirations and its actual brown growth development track was only resolved through the focus on international leadership and the promotion of a green growth strategy. Only then was Korea able to enact an internationally recognized role that fitted its own status and self-image. As a consequence, the aspect of the “rising Korea” self-image about being a country still in development and in need of prioritizing economic growth over climate action made way for a green growth vision that still focused on economic opportunities, but this time in low carbon future-growth industries. However, with a changing international context and a global momentum with the Paris Agreement, South Korea’s main goal then was to use the established green growth platforms and climate diplomatic channels to maintain and further expand the country’s network and influence as a green leader and climate hub.
