Inside Korea’s Social Impact

  [Editor’s Note🖉] Korea’s cooperative movement and social and solidarity economy have grown rapidly over a relatively short period of time, supported by legal and institutional frameworks. Since the enactment of the Framework Act on Cooperatives in 2012, cooperatives have expanded steadily across various sectors, evolving beyond a single organizational form.   Today, however, the central question is shifting — from “How many cooperatives have been created?” to “How well are they actually functioning?” The focus is moving away from quantitative growth toward qualitative maturity.   This interview captures the perspective of Kim Wang-young, CEO of CoopBiz Cooperative, who has long engaged with cooperatives and the social and solidarity economy through the lens of education. As both a young practitioner and a long-time participant in the field, he offers candid reflections from on-the-ground experience. Rather than focusing solely on institutional outcomes or busin...

  "Can a nonprofit organization rely solely on good intentions to ensure sustainability?"   Korean nonprofit organizations are actively working at the forefront of social problem-solving. Yet internally, they still face deep questions about governance.   In the context of nonprofits, governance is more than just how a board operates or how decisions are made. It reflects the relational structure of an organization — how decisions are made together, responsibilities are shared, and trust is built. I participate in a nonprofit governance research group. The photo shows materials published by the research group I’m involved in.(Photo by Milly)  Key Issues in Governance of Korean Nonprofits   In nonprofits, “how we work together” often matters more than “what we do.”   Korean nonprofits exist in various forms, including foundations, associations, civic organizations, and social cooperatives. Legally, most are structured around a board of directo...