Inside Korea’s Social Impact

  On June 3, 2025, South Korea held its 21st Presidential Election. Tomorrow, June 3, 2026 (Korea Standard Time), the country will hold its 9th Nationwide Local Elections.   Anyone who has recently visited South Korea may have noticed the lively atmosphere surrounding the election campaign season. Elections are not only an opportunity for citizens to choose policies that will shape the future of their communities and express their political beliefs. From a social impact perspective, elections are also a moment when people can express their views on how social problems should be addressed and how the broader social ecosystem should be sustained through their vote.   In this article, on the eve of the 9th Nationwide Local Elections (hereafter referred to as the “local elections”), I would like to explore why elections are closely connected to the social impact ecosystem.   Before diving into the discussion, it may be helpful to briefly explain how elections...

  While working as a journalist, I have heard a common concern from both organizational leaders and practitioners in the impact ecosystem. Leaders often say, “People are leaving the field. It is difficult to find talent who can understand both the social mission and the business structure of the organization.” Practitioners, on the other hand, say, “I started working in the impact ecosystem because I believed in social change, but for various reasons, I am considering changing jobs or leaving the field altogether.” Although their perspectives differ, both sides seem to share a deep concern about what makes a “good workplace” within the social impact sector.   The “Impact Career 2.0” conference was held on May 27 at “Heyground,” a major hub for Korea’s social impact organizations. (Photo by Milly) "rootimpact" an organization building an inclusive and sustainable future with changemakers, has operated an impact career growth community for people interested in solving s...