Inside Korea’s Social Impact

  What is the Social and Solidarity Economy?❓💬   Globally, terms like “social and solidarity economy” or “social impact” are used to describe a broad range of organizations working to solve social problems.   However, Korea is both similar and different. While organizations pursuing social purposes do exist, structurally they are divided into different types. From the outside, it may look like a single ecosystem, but in reality, it is segmented into multiple systems and institutional frameworks.   Differences in Scope Between Overseas and Korea🐣   In Europe and other regions, a wide range of organizations are included within the social and solidarity economy. These include cooperatives, mutual societies, social enterprises, non-profit organizations (NPOs), foundations, and self-help groups.   In other words, both formal and informal economic activities are included, and the focus is on the “social purpose” regardless of whether the org...

  In South Korea, the 9th Nationwide Local Elections will be held on June 3. As the election approaches, the atmosphere is already heating up as citizens prepare to elect local government leaders and council members.   As elections draw near, people vote based on their own beliefs. While each individual has different reasons for choosing a candidate, most voters — especially in local elections — cast their votes with their own communities in mind. (**In Korea, all citizens aged 18 and older are eligible to vote.)   The choice of who receives each vote ultimately shapes the direction of society. Even when candidates aim to solve the same problems, their approaches can differ significantly. In that sense, elections are a critical process that determines the possibilities for social change.   Elections Change More Than We Think   As in any country, elections play a crucial role in Korean society. They determine policy directions, influence the flow ...

  [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...