December 3: The Birth of SE-ACT Amid Korea’s Democratic Crisis (Part 2)

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On December 3, 2024, South Korea was thrown into shock when then-President Yoon Suk-yeol declared martial law. Citizens gathered in front of the National Assembly, and young people working in the SSE sector ran to the scene. They assisted elected lawmakers so they could enter the building and fulfill their constitutional duties.

 

This article continues the story of the young activists of SE-ACT who acted on the front lines that night.

*In this article, “social and solidarity economy” is used instead of the former term “social economy.”

 😍😙Read the article on the difference between the terms ‘Social Economy’ and ‘Social and Solidarity Economy’

The Shift in Terminology: From “Social Economy” to “Social Solidarity Economy”


😜😘Read Part 1

December 3: The Birth of SE-ACT Amid Korea’s Democratic Crisis (Part 1)

 

 The flag of SE-ACT. (Source: SE-ACT)

Why Does SE-ACT Act?

 

Over the past year, SE-ACT has issued multiple public statements with consistent messages:

 

Democracy is the foundation of South Korea—and the driving force of the social and solidarity economy.

 

When power threatens democracy, correcting it is an act of civic and ethical solidarity.

 

Impeachment is not a partisan choice but a civic responsibility to defend democracy.

 

SE-ACT also emphasized that government budget cuts to the SSE sector severely damaged youth employment, jobs for vulnerable groups, and local economies.

 

Looking Ahead: The Role of Korea’s SSE

 

SE-ACT is composed of young people who actively work within the social and solidarity economy. They continue contributing to change through their daily roles while expanding SE-ACT’s activities throughout 2025, shaping a critical turning point for the sector.

 

The year 2025 is particularly symbolic—the International Year of Cooperatives.

Amid global challenges such as climate crisis, inequality, and regional decline, the importance of the SSE is growing.

In this global context, SE-ACT’s voice and actions have gained wider significance.

 

Following the martial law incident, SE-ACT pushed for:

 

👉Legislation of the Basic Act on the Social and Solidarity Economy

👉Restoration of budgets and key policies

👉Expansion of participation across diverse SSE actors


These efforts are essential for rebuilding the ecosystem of the SSE.

 

Conclusion

 

SE-ACT promises to continue questioning, connecting, and acting.

The events of December 3 showed that the SSE is more than an economic sector—it is deeply tied to democratic values and to building a society where we live together.

 

Ki-dae Lee shared this reflection:

 “Please keep watching where Korea’s social and solidarity economy is headed—and what new forms of civic solidarity may emerge.” 

For that reason, the SSE in 2026 is something to look forward to.

 

“SE-ACT will continue to question.

It will continue to stand in solidarity.

And lastly—it will act.”

 

 

 

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