Founded in 1994 by more than 200 members, the People’s Solidarity for Participatory Democracy (PSPD) is a civil organization dedicated to promoting justice and human rights in Korean society through the participation of the people.

PSPD has been serving as a watchdog against the abuse of power. It has developed various activities to bring justice and democracy to many areas in our society:  the PSPD evokes public awareness through campaigns, questioning social and political activities, filing administrative and public litigations, and petitioning legislation.  The Civil Actions for 2000 General Election (the CAGE) and the Minority Shareholders’ Campaign might be said to be the most successful activities.

PSPD has developed and coordinated a wide range of activities to bring about a systematic reform and to suggest counterproposals to various government policies and agendas.  In this process, the PSPD has regarded independence and consistency as the most important principles of being a watchdog of power.

Departments

PSPD is comprised of 11 departments. Each department is composed of executive committee members, of whom some are progressive scholars, attorneys, accountants, etc.

Center for Judiciary Watch monitors power abuse in the judiciary and provides reform plans.  The center publishes a monitoring magazine and operates legal profession archives to record and manage the details of judges’ rulings.

Center for National Assembly Watch contributes to participatory democracy through continuous watch of and civil participation in national politics.  It watches the activity of the National Assembly and its members, and operates an on-line archive.  The center also monitors the flow of political funds and government subsidies for political parties.

Center for Peace and Disarmament seeks to look for ways to overcome the remnants of the Cold War ideology and bring peace on the Korean Peninsula.  Its activities include evaluating policies concerning peace in Korea and East Asia, monitoring military defense policies, proposing alternatives, and peace education.

Center for Tax Reform aims to promote fairness and equality in taxation.  It works to make a better society by trying to reform the tax system so that tax is imposed more fairly depending on income level.  The center also keeps an eye on tax authorities so that they carry out fair and transparent tax administration based on accurate calculations of income.

Center for Government Administration Watch works on making the society and the government transparent and accountable while stamping out corruption and frauds. The center organizes anti-corruption campaigns, plans legislation, researches policies and monitors government officials. It also works tirelessly to uphold the Freedom of Information Act and supports whistle-blowers who provide information on corrupt activities.

Campaign for Anyone with Stable Life works to recover civil rights that might have been infringed upon by government officials and corporations.  To regain the rights of citizens, this team works tirelessly to file litigations for the benefit of the public and to educate people about their rights.

People’s Economic Committee seeks to reform corporate governance and realize democracy in economy by keeping a watchful eye on various businesses activities. The committee monitors chaebol, their practice of monopoly and illegal agreements, and also contributes to creating new laws and systems that protect consumer rights.

Social Welfare Committee strives to reform the social welfare system for all as a right, not blessing from the state. It works on numerous campaigns to ensure the minimum standard of living and the national pension for just right living standards, to extend coverage of the national health care insurance, and to protect the right to adequate housing. It keeps monitoring on national welfare policies and submitting bills improving social welfare for all.

Committee for Fair Labor Society strives to abolish unfair discrimination between regular and irregular workers, and to protect the rights of labor. It works on increasing the minimum wage to enjoy the adequate living condition, requiring corporations to comply with laws and fulfill social responsibilities, campaigning for decent works and work-life balance and suggesting alternative labor policies for fair labor society.

Citizen’s Committee is comprised of a public relations sector and an education sector. Its main purpose is to open channels of communication with the public to foster understanding about PSPD’s work as well as increase awareness of relevant issues through citizen education program.

International Solidarity Committee monitors government’s activities in the international arena and promotes international networking for human rights and democracy, especially among Asia countries. The committee monitors the Korean government’s ODA(Official Development Assistance) policies. In 2004, PSPD obtained a special consultative status with the ECOSOC of UN.

PSPD in Numbers

PSPD was established in 1994.  As of December 2007, PSPD has approximately 9,700 members and 50 full-time paid staff members. Membership dues cover 62% of the total budget. The annual budget is US$1.3 Million.

Board Members (2008)

Co-Representative
Prof. Jong-Dae Lim, Ven.Chung-Hwa

Chair of Steering Committee
Prof. Sun-Song Park

Chair of Executive Committee
Prof. Yeon-Myung Kim

Secretary General
Mr. Min-Young Kim

Deputy Secretary General
Mr. Won-Suk Park, Mr. Tae-Ho Lee

- Participated in the minority shareholders’ campaign to reform the chaebol, and lobbied to enact laws that facilitate class action lawsuits by investors against companies suspected of insider trading and stock price manipulation.

- Suggested initiatives for improved care of the poor and underprivileged by lobbying for a bill to install the Basic Living Cost Guarantee Act, and promoted the reform of social insurance.

- Enacted anti-corruption law and protected whistle blowers.

- Campaigned "No Vote" for corrupt candidates in the 2000 and 2004 general elections.

- Promoted initiatives to force chaebol families to pay inheritance tax.

- Pushed for reform of the judicial system to stamp out unreasonable and unfair judicial processes.

- Promoted the freedom of information campaign.

- Promoted the movement against the U.S. invasion of Iraq and the deployment of Korean troops.

- Filed 194 public litigations and petitioned 100 legislations.

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