Abstract

South Korea and Japan are two of economic powerhouses in East Asia. Both are highly industrialized and heavily dependent on imported fossil fuels. Having had a goal of carbon neutrality by 2050, the two countries need to make strenuous efforts to transform their carbon-dependent economies, especially in the field of energy transition. However, both countries face serious internal challenges though who makes the challenges in each society remains different. This study comparatively analyses the two countries’ situations in power generation sector, and summarizes the common challenges they face such as heavy dependence on fossil fuels, domestic controversies surrounding nuclear energy, and limitations of renewable energy sources in their existing power grid system. Based on this comparison, the study proceeds with a comparative analysis on the decision-making process of the two countries and anatomize who are influential players in the process. Through comparing the two countries’ cases, this study will make some constructive suggestions for the two countries’ goal toward 2050 carbon neutrality, and provide some policy implications for other countries who have similar problems with the two.