We are an organization of Koreans, non-natives, and immigrants in Korea who study international issues and do solidarity activities. We examine the diverse problems caused in capitalist society and solve them by working in solidarity domestically and internationally.
Monthly 모임 Moim
At the core of our community building project are our monthly gatherings based on different topics (history, the environment, reunification, politics, culture, and so on) and interests to learn, share, empower, and act together. The meetings have come in various forms like workshops, tours, films, and picnics. Participants are encouraged to actively participate and share their reflections as we build towards a society where people are its protagonists.
Newsletter and Translations
We publish an online newsletter, “The [su:p],” to introduce people’s struggles, issues, and experiences to create exchange between social movements in Korea and abroad. As part of our work of introducing new ideas, we translate books into Korean. This is done to connect social movements in different countries through exchange, crossing geographical, cultural, and language barriers. You can subscribe to the newsletter at goisc.org!
International Forums and Lectures
Through our work with the International Progressive Politics Forum of the Justice Party, the ISC has connected with progressive political parties, intellectuals, and movements around the world and in Korea fighting for social change. Our goal is to uncover and learn the lessons from the experiments, victories, struggles, and movements to change the world. While we might inhabit disparate societies, we are, nonetheless, afflicted by connected oppressions and moved by common needs, yearnings, and visions.
Current Affairs Meetings and Educational Programs
We meet regularly to discuss current affairs affecting the Korean peninsula and people’s issues internationally. We also host internships for people to learn about contemporary Korean history through the eyes of its people and movements. Study groups explore works such as Jeon Tae-il’s biography and issues like feminism. This is a way for members to have a deeper understanding of the world around them.
Some Key Issues
Feminism
Gender discrimination is one of the oldest forms of discrimination. Some say that women now have more power than men, but the reality is quite the opposite. Women still get paid less than men, have no control over their bodies when it comes to reproduction, and are exposed to various types of sexual assault in their daily life. And LGBTQs and those with disabilities are marginalized and excluded from society simply for being different from the majority. This is the reality that women and minorities all over the world including Korea face. The ISC is against discrimination based on difference and to eliminate this, it upholds Feminism.
Labor Issues and Empowering Working People Everywhere
Through organizing music performances for worker solidarity, writing articles concerning labor struggles in Korea and abroad, and hosting labor history tours, the ISC shares its vision of a fair and just world for the world's workers. With more immigrants living in Korea than ever, we also recognize the importance of embracing migrant workers' demands in Korea as part of navigating a new Korean society. We welcome dialogue on the role of social movements in that change and human rights discourse.
Reunification and US Military Occupation
Democracy can only be rooted in a people’s self-determination. Yet, ever since Japanese occupation, Koreans have yet to gain the basic right of a people to determine their own fate. South Korea’s wartime military control resides in the hands of the US; tens of thousands of US soldiers are stationed in Korea to curtail China’s power; their military crimes shielded from Korean law. The path to reunification may be long and complex. Yet, the need for peace is clear.
Solidarity with Leftist Movements and Democracies in Latin America
While democratic governments in countries like Venezuela and Bolivia have made great strides in improving the lives of workers, women, the impoverished, and indigenous people, the same governments have been under constant fire in the media for having the audacity to stand up to US hegemony in Latin America. The ISC has worked hard to connect with these governments and tell the stories of their people in our newsletter. We’ve also coordinated exposure trips to Venezuela and led solidarity campaigns for progressive Latin American countries.