President's Message

Since its founding in 2017, the Korea Society of Philanthropy (KSoP) has brought together researchers, practitioners, educators and nonprofit leaders to explore a philosophy and practice of philanthropy suited to Korean society. Now, having moved beyond the maturing of Korean philanthropy, our Society stands at a new stage in which it must expand its role in Asia and the world.

As we enter 2026, our society faces a complex set of challenges: the rapid advance of artificial intelligence, the arrival of a super-aged society, generational gaps, regional imbalances, crises in care and education, and the erosion of social trust. Amid these changes, philanthropy can no longer remain simple giving or good deeds. It must become a social capacity that accurately identifies social problems, connects the resources needed, and creates sustainable change.

As the 3rd President, I will work to make KSoP a Society that responds actively to these demands of our time. In particular, we will connect academic research with practice in the field, strengthen philanthropy education and the development of professional talent, and explore directions for developing a culture of giving and fundraising that fits Korean realities.

Above all, in 2026 we aim to broaden the horizons of Korean philanthropy to Asia through the APA, the Asia Philanthropy Awards. The APA is not simply an awards event; it will become an important platform for discovering meaningful philanthropic examples from across Asia, learning from one another, and creating a space for cooperation toward better social change. Through it, we hope our Society will grow beyond Korea into a connector and catalyst for the Asian philanthropy ecosystem.

In 2026, KSoP will focus on the following three directions.

First, we will deepen philanthropy research. We will expand systematic research on giving, fundraising, social contribution, impact and nonprofit management, and work to establish a Korean model of philanthropy.

Second, we will be a practical Society connected to the field. We will strengthen the link between research and practice so that academic discussion can lead to actual organizational management, the spread of a culture of giving, the solving of social problems, and policy proposals.

Third, we will be an open Society that bridges Asia and the next generation. We will widen opportunities for education and exchange where young people, students, emerging researchers and nonprofit practitioners can learn about philanthropy and grow, and, through the APA, share the diverse experiences and wisdom of philanthropy across Asia.

Philanthropy may begin with the goodwill of a single person, but sustainable change is achieved within systems and cultures we build together. I hope that KSoP will become an intellectual and practical community that builds precisely those systems and cultures.

I ask for our members' active participation and support so that our Society can play an even greater role on the path toward a fair and caring society. As the 3rd President, I too will do my utmost to learn, connect and act together with our members, for a new leap forward for Korean philanthropy and its expansion across Asia.

Thank you.