Over the past eighteen months, EAI has been actively engaging with the members of the ROK National Assembly, scholars, and civil society stakeholders to enhance domestic and regional collaboration for advancing democratic norms and values. Reflecting on our progress, this culminating capstone event sought to gather parliamentarians and experts who have participated in our initiatives to explore ways in which South Korea can take leadership in supporting global democracy.

During the second session, the parliamentarians highlighted the urgent need for South Korea and the U.S. to collaboratively tackle the recent trend of democratic regression, which has been worsened by political polarization and populist movements. They expressed high expectations for the upcoming ROK-U.S. Parliamentary Exchange, set to be initiated during the 22nd National Assembly. This initiative is intended to formalize cooperation between the two nations’ legislative bodies, aiming to further the common objective of promoting global democracy.