This study draws on institutional theory to investigate the influence of global institutional pressures on the ESG activities of firms. The impact of foreign ownership, the extent of globalization, and the role of chaebols in the establishment of ESG committees is examined using South Korean samples. The results indicate that foreign ownership and the chaebol dummy have a positive influence on the formation of ESG committees. Furthermore, a positive full mediating effect is observed when foreign ownership is analysed as a mediator variable. We suggest that firms strengthen their ESG activities due to global coercive isomorphic pressures.