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SPRING 2026 | VOL. 7 ISSUE 1
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On March 17th, the Center on Philanthropy at The Beautiful Foundation hosted a seminar titled “Shifting Environments and Institutional Trends in the Non-Profit Sector,” focusing on the enactment of the Framework Act on Civic Participation and the expansion of the Hometown Love Donation Scheme. As the Korean non-profit landscape undergoes these pivotal transitions, understanding the legal nuances and structural hurdles is more critical than ever for civil society actors. The center has curated three in-depth articles to help you navigate these changes, from the latest legislative debates to global comparative perspectives on organization establishment. I hope these insights provide a valuable compass for your activities.
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The Gateway to Public Interest
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Article 32 of the Civil Act stipulates that non-profit corporations aiming for public interest purposes may be established with the authorization of the competent administrative authority. While non-profit corporations are vital for solving social issues, the current establishment approval process has long served as a significant hurdle for those attempting to formalize their public interest work.
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Challenges for the Establishment Environment of Non-Profit Corporations in Korea
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South Korea should move away from the “Authorization System,” which leaves the establishment of non-profit corporations to the discretion of government ministries and local governments, and consider transitioning to a “Rule-Based System” where legal personality is granted upon meeting objective legal requirements. Leading examples from Japan, Australia, and Germany show a shift toward guaranteeing civil society’s right to autonomous establishment through rule-based, certification, or registration procedures rather than leaving authority to total administrative discretion.
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Discussions on Legal and Institutional Frameworks for Participation and Giving
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As the foundation for activities and resource linkage in the non-profit sector, two major tasks are currently under intense discussion for full-scale implementation: the enactment of the Framework Act on Civic Participation and the expansion of the Hometown Love Donation Scheme. How should civil society interpret these shifting tides, and what preparations are necessary?
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