Inside South Korea’s Social Impact

  What is the first step before embarking on new initiatives? In my view, it is constantly reflecting on and questioning our 'identity.' The essence of identity lies in providing certainty. To define our direction, initiate new work, and build solidarity with others, we need that core certainty. Identity serves as an unchanging foundation and a reliable compass showing where we are headed and why.   What identity does South Korea's Social and Solidarity Economy (SSE) hold today? And how does Korea's historical and cultural heritage influence this modern identity? In 2022, the Korea Social Solidarity Economy Alliance (formerly the Korea Social Economy Alliance) published the "2022 Social Economy Identity Report." The report reviewed the history, achievements, and current landscape of South Korea's SSE to redefine its identity.   I sat down with Minsoo Kang, Executive Director of the Korea Social Solidarity Economy Alliance, who co-authored the repor...

  On August 20, South Korea's National Assembly finally passed the Framework Act on the Social and Solidarity Economy. This milestone comes 13 years after practitioners in the field first called for comprehensive legislation. Colleagues across the social impact sector shared congratulations and applause. Given the long journey to this point, the prevailing sentiment is that field perspectives must continue to guide the ongoing implementation and refinement of the law.   This article outlines the core provisions of the newly enacted Framework Act and explores what it means for the ecosystem.   Defining Social and Solidarity Economy🍪   The Framework Act defines the Social and Solidarity Economy (SSE) as follows: "Economic activities conducted based on mutual aid, cooperation, and solidarity to achieve shared community benefits and deliver social values."   One of the most significant aspects of the Framework Act is that it bridges previously fragm...

Scene from the forum on August 19 (Photo by Milly)   I have discussed community integrated care several times on this blog. As South Korea has officially become a super-aged society, active discussions and policies around care are underway nationwide, with local governments implementing initiatives tailored to their specific regional contexts.   In Goyang City, Gyeonggi Province, where I currently reside, discussions on care are also actively taking place. On August 19, I attended a forum organized in Goyang to explore future development directions for healthy integrated care. In this article, I want to share the key takeaways from that forum. Rather than focusing strictly on Goyang, I will examine why community integrated care is vital for South Korean society as a whole.   Aging in Place: Staying in the Community You Know🐤   Historically, care in South Korean society was largely viewed as an individual family responsibility or provided through institut...