is an independent non-profit, nonpartizan research organization dedicated to strengthening the leftist theory and discourse by closely relating perspectives of marxism with labor and social movements in South Korea where the leftist force is weak and still poorly positioned within the society.

Since its foundation in 2023, the institute has been focusing upon three themes as its coherent interest, that is, first, critical political economy, second, the dynamism between democracy and working class, and third, law and politics.

Also it aims at concretizng and educating the leftist thinking around labor activists, unionists and scholars in South Korea through expert analysis and educational programs for workers.

To try to closely connecting theory and activism, members of IDL are as much positioned in academic research community, specialized in various filelds from social science, economics, public health, to law and international relations, as including activists from social and labor movements.

The Institute issues a monthly online magazine <Perspectives and Praxis>, which covers broad political, social, economic issues, providing succinct and accurate analyses and perspectives mostly built upon marxist theory and views of capitalism and working class.

Up until now, the magazine covers such agenda as historical comparative diversity in global democratization, transformation of class politics, social welfare and redistribution system, and marxist analysis of the political and the social in Korea, effects of globalization and international capital formations, and geopolitical changes in the era of capitalist crisis.

The Institute holds annual symposium, as most important event, tilted as “Relationship and Dynamism of Democracy and Working Class” in its first year 2023, “Regime Change and Dual Transformation” in 2024, and “Law and Politics, and the Future of The Republic in South Korea for this year 2025.

We believe in working class internationalism and hope to be acquainted and make solidarity with all the global movement for the abolishment of capitalism.

Chief Director : Youngsook Kweon
email address : demlabor1848@gmail.com
home page : dem-labor.org