Political Orientation and Policy Compliance: Evidence from COVID-19 Mobility Patterns in Korea

Kim Sungjin () and Yang Hee-Seung ()
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Kim Sungjin: School of Economics, Yonsei University, 50 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea
Yang Hee-Seung: School of Economics, Yonsei University, 50 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea

The B.E. Journal of Economic Analysis & Policy, 2025, vol. 25, issue 3, 625-664

Abstract: This study investigates the significant factor influencing widespread non-compliance with COVID-19 preventive measures in Seoul, Korea, through the analysis of spatial mobility data: the disparity between government communications and health policies, alongside the role of political orientation. The study reveals that political messages regarding quarantine success downplayed the severity of the virus, consequently hindering policy compliance during the major waves of COVID-19 in 2020–2021. Individuals with high institutional trust align their mobility behavior with the government’s messaging, increasing social activities. Additional channels come from the area’s occupation and industry characteristics, particularly in sectors with limited remote work availability.

Keywords: political orientation; political message; mobility; social distancing; policy compliance; COVID-19 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: D72 I18 J08 O18 R11 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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DOI: 10.1515/bejeap-2024-0079

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