Böll News

3 Questions on South Korea’s presidential election results to Kristian Brakel

3 Questions
South Korea’s presidential election on 3 June 2025 took place amid intense political upheaval and institutional crisis. Widespread public discontent over corruption scandals, executive-judiciary tensions, and democratic backsliding had dominated the pre-election atmosphere. Kristian Brakel, Director of the Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung’s East Asia, answered 3 questions.
By Joan Lanfranco and Kristian Brakel
Demonstration in South Korea

South Korea 101: Implications of the 2025 Presidential Elections

On December 3rd, 2024, former South Korean president Yoon Suk-yeol declared martial law on the basis to protect national stability from “antistate actors.” This was quickly overturned by the National Assembly and eleven days later the National Assembly voted to impeach Yoon. After months of investigation, the Constitutional Court unanimously voted to accept the impeachment of Yoon, triggering the snap elections to be held on June 5, 2025. The Heinrich Boll Foundation discussed the significance and implications of the South Korean elections.
By Ha Eun Yoon
KDF Global Forum

Democratic Resilience in the Asia-Pacific: The Role of Parliamentarians

Healthy democracies have proven to be more resilient in the face of crises and pandemics. However, in recent years, signs of democratic backsliding has become increasingly visible around the world, manifesting through political polarization and the weakening of the liberal international order. The Heinrich Böll Foundation East Asia Office and the Indo-Pacific Democracy Forum (IPDF) co-hosted a session at the 2025 KDF Global Forum titled “Parliamentarians’ Voices for Democratic Unity in the Indo-Pacific.” 
By Ha Eun Yoon
2025 세계 인종차별 철폐의 날 기념대회

Voices Heard at the 2025 International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination

Every year on March 21, the United Nations designates the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, inspiring a global wave of anti-racism initiatives. As a sign of solidarity to this movement, an event hosted by migrant rights groups nationwide and supported by the Heinrich Böll Foundation East Asia Office was held on March 16 at Seoul Station Square. To gain insight into the preparation process, representatives from the foundation visited the site, engaging directly with activists and listening to their powerful voices.
By Hyejin Yoo
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Economy Atlas in Korean 2025

Atlas
The way we produce and consume must change. The unchecked climate crisis, dwindling resources, environmental pollution, and loss of biodiversity demand a transition that places sustainability and social responsibility at the forefront of businesses, banks, and trade. Additionally, new regulatory policies are needed to curb waste and modernize infrastructure. Heinrich Böll Foundation’s Economic Atlas 2025 (Korean Ver.) not only highlights the essential measures for this transition but also offers a fundamental perspective on the history and diversity of economic activity.
By Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung
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Pesticide Atlas Korean Edition (English version)

Atlas
South Korea's use of pesticides began with its forced conversion to the Japanese agricultural regime during Japanese occupation in the early 20th Century. Behind rapid industrialisation in the post-1960s, were problems of environmental pollution and pesticide poisoning due to the world's highest pesticide use. With authorities leaving control to agrochemical companies, and the companies only interested in selling pesticides, a pesticide policy for nature and people is a long way off.
By Small Is Beautiful  and Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung
energy atlas

Energy Atlas Korean Edition (English version)

Atlas
South Korea is ranked 17th in the world for cumulative greenhouse gas emissions, most of which come from the energy sector. The country’s policies for energy transition away from fossil fuels and nuclear power began with the expansion of participatory renewable energy. However, the new government has taken a step backwards from previous policies that aspired to a sustainable and carbon-neutral society.
By Small Is Beautiful  and Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung
Plastic Atla Asia Korean translation

Plastic Atlas Asia Korean Edition 2022

Atlas
This Korean translation is based on the 2021 English version of the Plastic Atlas Asia Edition.  'Plastic Atlas-Asia' is a global environmental report that contains data and facts about the plastic-filled Earth, especially the plastic problem in Asia, in text, statistics, and graphics. It is the third topic in the Korean version of the 'Atlas ATLAS' series of global environmental reports by the German Heinrich Böll Foundation (Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung), following 'Coal Atlas' and 'Plastic Atlas-World Edition'. 
By Small Is Beautiful and Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung
Plastic Atlas Japan special edition Cover page 2

Plastic Atlas Japan Special Edition (6 pages in English)

Article
Japan has the second highest plastic management index (PMI) in the world, thanks to its advanced waste management system and high levels of local cooperation. On the other hand, Japan’s per capita plastic consumption is also quite high. Innovative policies, strategies, and action plans are required for Japan to promote the circulation of resources and build a sustainable lifestyle and society.

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