Today's Philanthropy and Social Contribution News — October 12, 2026

SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won proposed using AI to measure corporate social responsibility (CSR) performance, emphasizing data-driven social value creation. Additionally, ahead of the implementation of the Social and Solidarity Economy Basic Act, public interest foundations are evolving into "tailored solidarity" models that go beyond simple donations to help vulnerable groups become self-reliant. Meanwhile, the Korea Environment Corporation has published an ESG management report to achieve its 2030 RE100 targets.

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Major Nonprofit Activity Updates

Activities by domestic nonprofits (NPOs) and public interest foundations are shifting away from simple charity toward solving structural issues and providing tailored support.

1. Public Interest Foundations Expand Social Value Ecosystems via 'Tailored ESG' The ways corporations and organizations return profits to society are evolving. Recently, public interest foundations have been focusing on "tailored ESG" (Environmental, Social, and Governance) activities, such as helping vulnerable groups achieve practical self-reliance, fostering psychological stability for future generations, and promoting unique cultural heritage globally. This trend goes beyond one-off donations to expand a sustainable social value ecosystem.

   

2. Korea Association of Corporate and Foundation Philanthropy Holds Forum on Employee Participation Cases The Korea Association of Corporate and Foundation Philanthropy will host its "Monthly Social Contribution" event on October 27 under the theme "Employees in Social Contribution Activities..." This gathering will share practical cases and reflections on employee-participatory social contribution that goes beyond volunteering. It will recruit 40 practitioners from companies and corporate foundations, with specific case presentations scheduled from six companies and foundations.

   

3. People's Solidarity for Participatory Democracy Runs Signature Campaign Urging Ban on Participation in K-DEX 2026 People's Solidarity for Participatory Democracy is running a signature campaign urging a ban on participation in the "K-DEX 2026" defense exhibition in light of the situation in the Gaza Strip. This activity gathers the voices of civil society valuing peace and human rights to express opposition to specific defense exhibitions.

   

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Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR/ESG) News

Corporate CSR and ESG management are deepening through quantitative performance measurement and the establishment of legal and institutional foundations.

1. SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won Stresses Accurate CSR Measurement via AI On October 12, SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won suggested that the performance of corporate social responsibility (CSR) needs to be accurately measured, proposing the use of artificial intelligence (AI) technology for this purpose. This is seen as an effort to enable companies to prove the effectiveness of their social contributions based on data and achieve more efficient resource allocation.

   

2. Korea Environment Corporation Publishes ESG Report and Accelerates 2030 RE100 The Korea Environment Corporation published a report disclosing its ESG management performance and mid-to-long-term strategic directions, centered around carbon neutrality, artificial intelligence (AI), digital transformation, and internal controls. Notably, the corporation outlined plans to accelerate efforts to achieve RE100 (covering 100% of electricity usage with renewable energy) by 2030.

   

3. Strengthening Corporate-Nonprofit 'Business Partner' Relations Ahead of the Social and Solidarity Economy Basic Act In line with the Social and Solidarity Economy Basic Act taking effect next March, the corporate social contribution paradigm is shifting from "simple donations" to "business partners." Finance, distribution channels, social value measurement, and disclosure institutionalization are expanding the basis for collaboration. Customized support by growth stage and performance measurement are becoming crucial for long-term cooperation. Intermediate support organizations like Qnesty also hosted sessions to find solutions for corporate social contribution practitioners ahead of the law's enforcement.

   

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Policy and Issue Briefing

1. Preparation and Institutional Changes for the Social and Solidarity Economy Basic Act Set to take effect on March 16, 2027, the Social and Solidarity Economy Basic Act redefines the relationship between corporations and the nonprofit sector. The law institutionalizes financial and distribution support for social economy enterprises, and mandates social value measurement and disclosure, encouraging companies to cooperate as agents of social value creation beyond mere sponsorship. Consequently, companies face the task of reviewing the legal and institutional compliance of existing CSR activities and designing new collaboration models.

2. Ministry of Health and Welfare Pushes AI-Based Care and Social Services Policies The Ministry of Health and Welfare is pushing policies leveraging AI technology to provide seamless 24/7 care services and make welfare benefits easier to access. This government-level effort aims to enhance the quality of social services and improve accessibility through technological innovation, offering a directional guide for nonprofits and companies planning tech-based social contribution projects.

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Today's Keywords

• AI-Based CSR Measurement: A trend of quantitatively evaluating and optimizing corporate social contribution performance using artificial intelligence, as proposed by Chairman Chey Tae-won.
• Tailored Solidarity: A new support model by public interest foundations customized to specific needs, such as practical self-reliance and psychological stability for vulnerable groups, rather than unilateral donations.
• Social and Solidarity Economy Basic Act: A core piece of legislation providing institutional backing for collaboration between corporations and social economy organizations, building a "partnership" that goes beyond mere "donation."