A strategic response map for cascading pandemics: Lessons learned from the response to COVID-19 in the Republic of Korea

COVID 19 is a still on-going fatal risk that affects the whole world. COVID-19 pandemic has been characterized as a systemic risk. Accordingly, this paper aims to identify the features of systemic risk of COVID-19 and draw policy implications for effective response. For this, we traced the COVID-19 related risk in Korea from January 2020 to August 2021 by utilizing the official data of the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency. Analyzing the relationship between anticipated, emerging, amplified, and lingering risk and response measure through actual data, it was revealed that the risk flow model for cascading risk proposed by the author can be readily applied. In addition, through the analysis of actual response measures against the risks for 1 year and 8 months, the authors proposed a strategic response map against cascading pandemics. Five policy implication derived through this study can be extended for identifying strategic approach against cascading pandemics and for developing guidelines for effective preparedness, risk reduction, and resilience building. •The risk management flow can be applied to develop a strategic response map for cascading pandemics.•Responsible leaders should understand systemic features and cascading impacts•The notions of risk classified as anticipated, emerging, amplified, and lingering risk help understand systemic risk.•A well-prepared response manual is critical for responding to both anticipated risk and emerging risk.•Inclusive risk governance and risk communication are essential parts of effective response.