KDF Global Alliance Team

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The V-Dem Institute is a research institute that signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Korea Democracy Foundation (KDF) in 2025.

In September 2025, the Global Alliance Team of KDF established the “KDF Global Democracy Center,” an international cooperation space for democracy, within the National Museum of Korean Democracy. The V-Dem Institute maintains an honorary office at this Center.

In 2025, a total of 62 countries are in episodes of regime transformation – autocratizing (becoming less democratic, in red) or democratizing (becoming more democratic, in blue), according to the Episodes of Regime Transformation (ERT) methodology.

The color intensity shows the magnitude of the change. Countries in gray are not in anepisode of regime transformation in 2025 according to ERT.

Most countries have stable levels of democracy, be they low or high. The 44 countries autocratizing are home to 3.4 billion people, or 41% of the world population. Only 18 countries are democratizing.

This graph shows change over time. It does not say anything about the level of democracy of each country, it shows the direction the countries have been heading and the magnitude of the change since the start of the transformation.

Read the Democracy Report: https://v-dem.net/publications/democracy-reports/
Download the V-Dem Dataset: https://v-dem.net/data/the-v-dem-dataset/
Explore the data with the V-Dem graphing tools: https://v-dem.net/graphing/graphing-tools/
The ERT dataset: https://v-dem.net/data/ert-dataset/

Digital Exhibition : "The Human Cost of Terrorism”
Exhibition Period : March 24 ~ 25, 2026
Venue : National Museum of Korean Democracy, 4Fl, Minju Maru
Opening event: March 24 10AM (*Indian traditional refreshment will be served.)

The exhibition is open to free viewing within operation hours without prior reservation, and
admission is free.
The Embassy of India, Seoul is hosting a digital exhibition titled “The Human Cost of
Terrorism.” This exhibition seeks to move beyond mere statistics to provide a platform to highlight
the menace of terrorism and how it affects the lives of the victims and their families. The
exhibition underscores that "terrorism anywhere is a threat to peace everywhere."
The exhibition is designed to foster a deeper understanding through a Curated Digital
Timeline documenting major incidents that have impacted both India and the international
community to highlight the universal nature of this threat. The objective of the exhibition is to
reinforce the international community's collective commitment to combating terrorism and
upholding global peace.
We hope this exhibition serves as a meaningful opportunity to strengthen international
solidarity against terrorism and to reaffirm our collective commitment to safeguarding global
peace. We look forward to your interest and participation.

디지털 전시: "The Human Cost of Terrorism”
전시기간 : 2026.3.24 (화) ~ 25 (수)
전시장소 : 민주화운동기념관, 교육관 4층 민주마루
전시오프닝행사: 3.24.(화) 오전 10시

주한인도대사관에서 준비한 디지털전시 "The Human Cost of Terrorism”가 민주화운동기념관 교육관 4층 민주마루 전시실에서 열립니다. 3월 24일과 25일 양일간 공개되는 이번 전시는 "어느 곳의 테러든, 모든 곳의 평화에 대한 위협이다"라는 메시지를 바탕으로 테러 근절을 위한 국제적 공감대를 형성하기 위해 기획되었습니다.

이 전시는 테러리즘을 단순한 통계 자료로 다루는 데 그치지 않고, 피해자와 유가족의 삶을 깊이 있게 조명하여 테러가 인류에 미치는 심각한 영향을 전달하고 있습니다. ‘디지털 타임라인’은 인도와 국제 사회에 큰 영향을 끼친 주요 사건들을 연대순으로 기록하여, 테러리즘이 전 세계가 직면한 보편적 위협임을 여실히 보여줍니다.

이번 전시가 테러 대응을 위한 국제 사회의 연대 의식을 강화하고, 글로벌 평화 수호를 위한 공동의 의지를 확인하는 소중한 계기가 되길 바라며 여러분의 많은 관심과 관람 부탁드립니다.

3월 24일 오전 10시에는 주한 인도대사이신 고랑랄 다스 대사, 민주화운동기념사업회 이재오 이사장을 비롯한 내외빈을 모신 가운데 전시오픈 행사가 있을 예정이며 행사 후 인도 전통 식음료가 제공됩니다. 많은 관심과 참여 부탁드립니다.

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March 14 — Lee Jae‑oh, President of the Korea Democracy Foundation (KDF), delivered a special lecture on the Experience and Challenges of Korean Democracy on the morning of March 14 at the Faculty of Political Science, Chulalongkorn University in Bangkok. About 30 participants, including doctoral students, attended the event.

During the lecture, President Lee emphasized that the development of democracy is achieved through citizens’ participation. He also noted that democratic politics requires consideration and respect, as well as dialogue and compromise.

He further expressed hope that Korea and Thailand would continue to move forward together in promoting the development of democracy in Asia.

Following the lecture, President Lee also participated in a joint interview with nine Thai media outlets.

The lecture was organized at the invitation of Pandit Chanrojana-kit, a professor at the Faculty of Political Science at Chulalongkorn University.

KDF President Lee Jae-oh Visits Bangkok for Lectures and Democratic Exchange
Lee Jae-oh, President of the Korea Democracy Foundation (KDF), visited Bangkok, Thailand to deliver lectures on democracy and engage in international exchange.

President Lee visited Bangkok at the invitation of the King Prajadhipok’s Institute (KPI), where he participated in a series of lectures and discussions on democratic governance.
KPI is a Thai public institution that conducts research and education on politics, public administration, economic policy, and social development.
Secretary-General: Issara Sereewatthanawut

On March 13, President Lee delivered a special lecture on “K-Democracy” to participants of KPI’s high-level political leadership program. During the lecture, he proposed the joint establishment of an “Asian Democracy Cooperation Organization” to strengthen democratic collaboration across Asia.

On the same day, an opening ceremony for the Honorary office of the KDF &National Museum of Korean Democracy was held at the Asia Centre office in Bangkok.
The Asia Centre is an independent think tank dedicated to promoting democracy, human rights, and civil society development across Asia.
Executive Director: James Gomez

The ceremony was also attended by Ambassador Park Yong-min of the Republic of Korea to Thailand.

President Lee is scheduled to deliver another lecture on the experience of Korean democracy at Chulalongkorn University on March 14. The lecture was organized by Prof. Pandit Chanrochanakit of the Department of Political Science, Chulalongkorn University.

KDF expects that this visit will serve as an opportunity to expand exchanges with parliaments, civil society, and young leaders across Asia, while sharing Korea’s democratic experience.

Must Save! A List of Meaningful Exhibition Spaces to Visit in Yongsan

1. ✨ National Museum of Korean Democracy ✨

A space where visitors can learn about the history of Korea’s democratization movement and reflect on democracy today through diverse exhibitions and programs.

Address: 37 Hangang-daero 71-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
Opening Days: Tuesday–Sunday (Closed every Monday)
Hours: 10:00–18:00 (Last admission 17:00)
Admission: Free
Contact: +82-2-6440-8800

2. Baekbeom Kim Gu Memorial Hall

A place where visitors can explore the life and legacy of independence activist Baekbeom Kim Gu.

Address: 26 Imjeong-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul

3. Colonial History Museum

A museum presenting the history of the Japanese colonial period and citizens’ historical records.

Address: 27 Cheongpa-ro 47da-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul

4. War Memorial of Korea

A place where visitors can learn about the history of war while reflecting on the meaning of peace.

Address: 29 Itaewon-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul

5. Yongsan History Museum

An engaging museum featuring old photographs, maps, and everyday materials that tell the story of historic Yongsan.

Address: 35-29 Hangang-daero 14-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul

6. Yongsan Urban Memory Exhibition Hall

A peaceful exhibition space where visitors can compare Yongsan’s past and present.

Address: 17 Seobinggo-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
(Yongsan Central Park Harrington Square Public Facility Building, 1–2F)

* Captions in English, Japanese, and Thai have been added to each photograph.

KDF Global Alliance Team & Asia Centre Joint Online Training Session on “Digital Security”

In the spirit of International Women’s Day and its theme of advancing rights, justice, and action, the Korea Democracy Foundation (KDF) and Asia Centre will jointly host an online training session on “Digital Security.”

Despite decades of advocacy for equal labour rights, political representation, and access to education, women today hold only 64% of the legal rights afforded to men worldwide. Legal and structural barriers continue to limit fair inclusion across key areas of life. This session will explore why strengthening women’s voices is essential to resilient democracies and safer digital spaces, and how civic actors can translate online engagement into meaningful real-world change.

Date & Time: March 5, 3:00 PM–4:30 PM (KST)
Format: Online (conducted in English)
Participation: By prior registration only

A certificate of completion will be issued to participants who complete the training.
We warmly encourage your participation in this specially arranged session.

The Korea Democracy Foundation (KDF) is currently presenting two special exhibitions at M1 of the National Museum of Korean Democracy.

Through the two lenses of journalism and art, "Cut Sentences, Open Square" examines the meaning of freedom of expression.

In parallel, "Memory for the Future" commemorates the 2026 International Holocaust Remembrance Day, reflecting on the responsibility of remembrance for generations to come.

National Museum of Korean Democracy
Hours: Tuesday–Sunday (Closed on Mondays)
Opening Hours: 10:00–18:00 (Last admission at 17:00)
Admission: Free
Inquiries: +82-2-6440-8800

M2 (former Namyeong-dong Interrogation Center) is accessible by advance reservation through the Museum website (kdemo.or.kr)

Today, 36 students and faculty members from Nagano High School in Japan visited the National Museum of Korean Democracy as part of the Korea–Japan Youth Peace Curation Program, co-organized by Peace Momo and Tiger Mov.

During their visit, the students learned about the history of Korea’s democratization movement and reflected on the values of human dignity, freedom, and civic courage. In his welcoming remarks, KDF President Lee Jae-oh shared his personal experience of being detained and tortured in this very building when it was used for political repression, emphasizing that democracy is built on the courage and sacrifice of ordinary citizens.

Standing in a place once marked by fear and silence—now transformed into a space of remembrance and education—the students engaged in dialogue about why youth exchange matters. Mutual understanding, respect, and direct conversation among young people are essential foundations for trust between Korea and Japan, and ultimately for peace on the Korean Peninsula and stability in Northeast Asia.

KDF, Global Alliance Team hopes this encounter will not remain a single visit, but will grow into lasting friendship and future cooperation between the next generation of two countries.

* Peace Momo, founded in 2012, is a peace and education nonprofit organization dedicated to connecting peace with learning and everyday life. Through educational and cultural initiatives, civic engagement, and the building of “Peace Commons,” it works to foster a sustainable culture of peace.

** Tiger Mov., established in 2016, is a Japanese startup with a mission to cultivate the next generation of leaders. It supports young people in realizing their potential and provides diverse global learning opportunities, including overseas internships and educational programs in more than 40 countries.