The policy agenda setting of bioethics in Korea started with the birth of cloned animal Dolly. The public agenda for opposition to human-cloning was shaped under the movement of NGOs. But the formulation of policy agenda began with the governmental part. There were five attempts to legislate for bioethics from the National Assembly and the Executive
Branch from 1977 to 2001. Three members of the National Assembly during three years, the Ministry of Health and Welfare(MOHW) and the Ministry of Science and Technology(MOST) during two years were the major actors for the agenda setting. However, all of the attempts failed in legislation. This paper focuses on the question: what were the main factors leading the actors to legislation for bioethics in Korea? To answer these questions systemically, this paper draws on the concept of policy networks developed by Rhodes & Marsh. According to the model of Rhodes & Marsh, there are four dimensions(membership, intergration, resources, power) distinguishing the two types of policy networks: policy community and issue network. This model is a very useful tool for understanding policy making bioethics agenda in Korea. The typology of policy network started with policy community model. The number of participants were very limited in 1998: National Assembly, MOST, and scientists. They shared two basic values, that is, the improvement of biotechnology is more important than bioehtics, and more scientists have to participate in policy agenda setting process. The NGOs were consciously excluded in policy community. However the policy network was changed later. In 2001 issue network as well as policy community appeared simultaneously. MOHW, NGO, and mass media newly entered on the stage of policy agenda setting as powerful actors.
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