Can Korea maintain environmental standards? The implications of shifting EIA review privileges to ministerial affiliates

South Korea's environmental assessment (EA) system previously relied on the Korea Environment Institute for independent reviews of environmental impact statements. In mid-2022, review privileges were expanded to five institutions including four new organizations that are direct affiliates or subsidiaries of the Ministry of Environment. This diversification aims to improve the EA process, but concerns exist regarding the adequacy of the plans and the lack of prior preparation. The current expansion, focusing on Ministry of Environment affiliates, raises concerns about diminished autonomy and a potential regression in independent review. The authority's initiative to enhance the efficiency of the EA system through diversifying review institutions does not fundamentally address current needs in Korea. This paper argues the most urgent issues in the evolution of the current EA system in Korea. To ensure an effective EA system in the face of climate change and broader environmental challenges, reforms are needed. These reforms should prioritize strengthening consultant capabilities, ensuring independent reviews, reinstating the strategic EA function, and transitioning to a sustainability assessment system. •KEI was the sole independent and professional EIA review institution in Korea.•MoE additionally nominates its four affiliated organizations as EIA review entities.•Granting review privileges to MoE's affiliates causes concerning EA's impartiality.•SEA's unique function should be restored prior to review institute diversification.•EA policy on the right track is to embrace SA to maintain environmental standards.