Reacting to a Large-Scale UNK-UNK during Its Initial Onset: Fast Response and Retrospective Sensemaking in South Korea

Abstract

This study addresses how a nation may cope with a large unknow-unknown event with looming uncertainty. We focus on Korea’s response to the onslaught of COVID-19. Although Korea’s response was fast and immediate, it was also incremental and disjointed. This study aims to provide a structured understanding of the confusing state of early responses. We adopt the theory-building approach based on case studies and use newspaper articles and government press releases as the primary sources of data. We develop a grounded theoretical model as evidence and use the enactment theory to explain the underlying empirical and theoretical dynamics.