Application of actor-network theory to network neutrality in Korea: Socio-ecological understanding of network dynamics

•Analyze network neutrality with actor-network theory to map the socio-political network.•Public debate concerning neutrality revealed internal contradictions between interest groups.•The need of socio-ecological transition by fostering social consensus but also dialogue and competition.

This research analyzes the debate surrounding network neutrality (NN) in Korea from the perspective of actor-network theory (ANT) with the goal of mapping the socio-political network that has formed around the issue. It intends to reassemble the heterogeneous elements involved in this network and analyze its structure by identifying, describing, and characterizing the different positions of the actors involved in the public debate. Through an interpretative case study, it seeks to reveal some of the contradictions present in this process and discuss them within the ANT framework. It can be argued that public debate concerning NN has revealed acute internal contradictions between interest groups and created disputes between actors from different levels of this network, which requires a constant rearrangement of positions. The findings of this study suggest the need of socio-ecological transition by fostering social consensus but also dialogue and competition while actively taking economic and industrial constraints and opportunities simultaneously into account. A coherent approach to socio-ecological understanding is an effective means of governing neutrality.