Author(s): CHANG, J., KIM, A., JEON, Y., Institution: DANKOOK UNIVERSITY, Country: KOREA, SOUTH, Abstract-ID: 1159

Introduction
International sport hosting is shifting from "scale and spectacle" toward "efficiency and sustainability" (IOC, 2021). While mega-events face criticism for excessive fiscal investment, facility obsolescence, and environmental footprints (Muller, 2015), medium-scale events such as the Universiade present an opportunity for an "optimal scale" of sustainable development (Taks et al., 2014). The 2027 Chungcheong Universiade represents a novel case as the first "multi-city hosting model" in the Republic of Korea, co-organized by Daejeon, Sejong, Chungcheongnam-do, and Chungcheongbuk-do. This study analyzes the governance structure, regional differentiation strategies, and expected impacts through Principal-Agent theory to identify critical success factors for sustainable multi-city hosting models.

Methods
This study employed a qualitative single-case embedded design, treating the 2027 Chungcheong Universiade as the main case and the four host governments as embedded units of analysis. Data were collected via triangulation involving: (1) official documents; (2) academic literature; and (3) an in-depth interview with the Organizing Committee Vice-Chairman. Principal-Agent theory was applied to examine the dynamic power relations between the rights holder (FISU) and the local organizer.

Results
Analysis yielded three findings. First, governance dynamics reveal a "power reversal" phenomenon; while FISU dominates the bidding phase through contractual authority, the Organizing Committee's bargaining power increases as the event approaches due to sunk costs and knowledge asymmetry, facilitating a shift from hierarchical control to collaborative partnership. Second, the event employs a "differentiated integration" strategy through a 1+4 brand model. Each municipality leverages distinct identities: Daejeon (Science/Fencing), Sejong (Admin/Table Tennis), Chungcheongnam-do (Tourism/Golf), and Chungcheongbuk-do (Tradition/Taekwondo). Third, the event is projected to generate KRW 2.73 trillion in economic output and induce 10,499 jobs. Environmentally, the strategy achieves sustainability by utilizing 96.8% existing facilities (30 of 31 venues).

Discussion
The 2027 Chungcheong Universiade presents a pioneering "low-cost, high-efficiency" governance model. Distributing resources across a megacity mitigates single-city hosting risks. The findings suggest that medium-scale events can achieve sustainability through multi-level governance and legacy-centered planning. However, success depends on effectively managing the "brand gap" to ensure the strategy translates to participant perceptions.

References
IOC. (2021). Olympic Agenda 2020+5: 15 recommendations. International Olympic Committee.
Müller, M. (2015). What makes an event a mega-event? Definitions and sizes. Leisure Studies, 34(6), 627-642.
Taks, M., Green, B. C., Misener, L., & Chalip, L. (2014). Evaluating sport development outcomes. European Sport Management Quarterly, 14(3), 213-237.