Purpose - The purpose of this study is to analyze the historical evolution and changing societal attitudes toward shared accommodation in South Korea. While there was efforts to foster shared accommodation, ten years later, the focus has shifted to cracking down on illegal shared accommodations. This study aims to uncover the reasons behind this. Design, data, and methodology - The study applies to analytical framework of historical institutionalism, exploring the interactions between structures, institutions, and actors in the discussions around the shared accommodation in South Korea from 2014 to 2024. Result - The study finds that efforts to institutionalize shared accommodation have failed due to resistance from traditional accommodation businesses and the rigidity of path-dependent institutional structures. Furthermore, a 2015 judicial ruling that classified unregistered shared accommodation under the existing system as illegal, has prompted increased government enforcement, treating it as a form of illegal activity. Conclusions - The study suggests that revisiting the initial discussions and reassessing the institutional framing that was established a decade ago may be necessary to break free from the constraints of path-dependence and foster growth in the shared accommodation sector.