Seoul
The Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom (FNF) promotes democracy, human rights, economic freedom, and curbing climate change. Our South Korea project is focused on forward-looking topics such as smart cities and the 4th industrial revolution. The North Korea project organizes capacity-building programs in environmental planning and water management. We work with the Center for Local Autonomy, Hanyang University (CLA), Korea Local Information Research & Development Institute (KLID), and many other local partners. Should you have questions or suggestions about our work, please contact us. You can also meet our team here.
News
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The Dark Shadow of AI: Deep Fake Porn and Gender Bias
On October 21, 2024, the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom Korea office, in collaboration with social cooperative Parti, the German Embassy in Seoul, and Goethe-Institut Korea, hosted a panel discussion event, “The Dark Shadow of AI: Deep Fake Porn and Gender Bias,” at the Goethe-Institut Korea. This event brought together experts, activists, and the public to explore the intersection of artificial intelligence, gender, and digital rights.
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New Ties between North Korea and Russia
Since the start of the war of aggression, Moscow and Pyongyang have grown significantly closer. A new FNF study analyzes these increasingly close military and economic ties—and recommends a counter-strategy for the West.
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What Trump Could Mean for Korea – and for the Balance of Power in East Asia
A new policy paper by the foundation analyzes the possible Korea policy of former President and current candidate Donald Trump. Author Mason Richey considers a rapprochement between Trump and Kim likely – and warns of a nuclear arms race in East Asia.
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Korean-German-ASEAN Smart City Forum
On September 5, 2024, the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom and the Goyang Industry Promotion Agency hosted the "Korean-German-ASEAN Smart City Forum" at KINTEX as part of the World Smart City Expo 2024. The forum brought together experts from South Korea, Germany, and ASEAN nations to explore sustainable smart city models focusing on mobility innovations and climate resilience.
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Human Rights Defender: Pro-Democratic Activists
Announcing our new publication - Human Rights Defenders - featuring pro-democratic activists, including Chu Chen from Taiwan and Ray Wong from Hong Kong and their fight for freedom and democracy.
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Sustainable Mobility and Accessible Cities
In the series “Global Citizen Dialogue: Sustainable Cities, Inclusive Futures,” the second seminar was held on July 25, 2024, at the POSCO Center in Seoul. The joint event by Friedrich Naumann Foundation Korea and POSCO TJ Park Foundation was concerned with the topic of “Sustainable Mobility and Accessible Cities,” exploring strategies for a sustainable transformation in public transportation infrastructure.
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Data Protection in the Era of AI – 2024 Digital Platform Series
The third seminar of the 2024 Digital Platform online seminar series, focusing on “Data Protection in the Era of AI”, took place on July 18, 2024. This seminar series, co-organized by FNF Korea and the Korea Local Information Research & Development Institute (KLID), aims to enhance the digital capacity and capabilities of local governments and related institutions in the region.
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Cities for All: Sustainable and Inclusive Cities
The first of three 2024 Global Citizen Dialogue seminars “Cities for All: Sustainable and Inclusive Cities” took place at the POSCO Center in Seoul on April 18th, 2024. The event focused on the dynamics of fostering inclusive and sustainable cities and aims to envision the future we will live in and explore the efforts needed to realize the future we desire.
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2024 Digital Platform series: 1st Seminar on “Digital Platform Government”
The first seminar of the Digital Empowerment – 2024 Digital Platform series, focused on "Digital Platform Government," took place on March 7, 2024. This seminar series, organized by FNF Korea and its partner Korea Local Information Research & Development Institute (KLID), aimed to explore the concept of a digital platform government and strengthen digital capacity and capabilities of local governments and related institutions.
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Kim Jong Un abandons the goal of peaceful reunification
The ruler sends aggressive warnings to South Korea and the United States at the turn of the year. He seems hardly interested in a dialogue with liberal democracies anymore. This marks a drastic break with decades of state doctrine and alarms South Korea. Instead, North Korea continues to turn towards Russia. This raises tensions on the Korean Peninsula to a new peak.
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Tough Schools
In PISA studies, South Korean students achieve top results. Nevertheless, the education system in the country is controversial. The immense pressure to achieve good results has led to a booming market for private tutoring, exacerbating social inequalities. This is especially evident in the test crucial for university admission.
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Beyond The Local, Beyond The Digital
On November 30, 2023, KLID and FNF Korea successfully organized the "2nd Global Forum for Local Digital Innovation and Governance" at KLID Hall in Seoul. The event, titled "Beyond The Local, Beyond The Digital," brought together key figures to explore the implementation of the Digital Platform Government policy on a regional level and present solutions for local issues.
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GCD Talk concert: Climate Crisis and Circular Economy
The third installment of the 2023 Global Citizen Dialogue(GCD): Let’s Take an Action!, unfolded at the POSCO Center Art Hall in Seoul on November 28, 2023. The event focused on the critical issues of the climate crisis and circular economy, featuring a panel interview with Kim Jeong Bin, CEO of Superbin and and insightful discussions with students from 14 different countries.
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Making Cities Smarter and Safer: Lessons from Korea and Japan
The Joint Symposium "Making Cities Smarter and Safer: Lessons from Korea and Japan", held in Seoul on November 2nd, 2023, brought together experts from Korea and Japan to delve into the complexities of smart city data governance. Through insightful presentations and lively discussions, the symposium provided a unique platform for knowledge exchange, highlighting the shared journey towards creating smarter and safer urban environments.
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“Men earn respect much more easily”
Women face tough challenges in Korea’s business world. Start-up Entrepreneur Ara Goh, a partner of FNF Korea, is aiming for a change. Freiheit.org speaks with her about chauvinistic investors, Korea’s MeToo Movement and why she believes in Korea’s female leaders.
