"Overhauling the System Instead of Applying Stopgap Measures"—Yonsei University to Pursue 12 Social-Structure Reform Initiatives Over Two Years

[Financial News] Amid sweeping changes driven by a sharp population decline and the transition to artificial intelligence (AI), a large-scale private-sector research project is getting underway to overhaul the social framework itself—including labor, pensions and education—rather than relying on short-term, subsidy-centered measures.
Yonsei University’s Institute for Population and Talent announced on the 10th that it will officially launch the Campaign for Reforming South Korea’s Social Structure. Over the two years through August 2028, the campaign will diagnose problems across South Korea’s social structure and propose practical solutions.
Through the campaign, the institute will focus on 12 key challenges threatening the sustainability of South Korean society, including the low birth rate, caregiving, labor, pensions, healthcare and education. While various institutions have addressed population and education issues separately, this initiative aims to examine how the problems are interconnected and develop comprehensive alternatives.
The research approach will also differ from conventional theory-centered studies. The project will adopt an evidence-based model that analyzes the government’s large-scale administrative data and conducts real-world policy experiments, presenting only alternatives whose effectiveness has been demonstrated. Rather than stopping at the publication of reports, the institute plans to deliver its findings directly to the National Assembly and government committees, linking the research to actual changes in laws and institutions.
Kim Hyun-chul, director of the institute, emphasized, "The problem was not that there was no one to solve the problems in our society; rather, there was no proper structure for solving them." He added, "We will ensure that results verified through real-world data lead to national policies." Dong-Sup Yoon, president of Yonsei University, also stated, "This is the time to prepare for the future by identifying the deep causes of problems, rather than responding hastily only to the phenomena visible before us."
Leaders from the business, academic and medical communities have also joined forces to support the project. To create a stable research environment, the institute plans to establish a research base worth more than 10 billion won.
From the business community, Seok Young-bae, chairman of Amorepacific Corporation, has provided a donation. Kim Bong-jin, founder of Baedal Minjok and chairman of Grande Clip, is also continuing to support research on expanded immigration, changes in the labor market and social integration through the Bong&Sul Initiative foundation.
A Vision Design Committee has also been launched to advise on the project’s direction. Lee Kyung-ryul, president of the Yonsei University Alumni Association, serves as chair. Members include former Bank of Korea (BOK) Governor Rhee Chang-yong; Oh Chi-hoon, chairman of Daehan Steel; Chung Kyung-seon, vice president of PGMIC; Byoung-Sam Kim, senior pastor of Manna Church; Yang Moon-sul, director of Bupyeong Serim Hospital; Lee Jae-beom, director of Yonsei Plus Eye Center; and Han Sung-sik, director of Bundang Cheil Women’s Hospital. At a recent vision declaration ceremony, former BOK Governor Rhee Chang-yong also delivered a lecture titled "Why Structural Reform?" and highlighted the urgency of structural change.
Over the next two years, the institute plans to operate a research platform connecting experts and policymakers in South Korea and abroad with civil society. It will gradually bring the reform proposals into public discussion and seek to build social consensus.

[email protected] Kim Man-ki Reporter