The beginning

The beginning of the K-PACT can be traced back to the year 1999, when TI Korea was established. TI Korea was established by an alliance of many citizen organizations being aware of the importance of transparency in Korean society. For four years TI Korea has tried to draw cooperation among members of society for the social pact knowing that it is the next step for anti-corruption. Finally, at the beginning of this year hundred leaders of the civil society gathered for a "Declaration of hundred citizens urging for the social pact" disappointed by a low score in CPI published in October. After the declaration, the Korean Independent Commission against Corruption (KICAC) showed welcoming for it and interest in the social pact. Then, Federation for Korean Industries (FKI) decided to join the pact. Later, the President Roh of South Korea emphasized the importance of anti-corruption movements in the annual address. The Steering Committee of a coalition from the four sectors of the society was formed and had several meetings starting from February 4th, 2005. The coalition among different sectors of the society on the problem of corruption has never happened before in Korean society. It indicates the eagerness of Korean society dealing with corruption problems.

The logo

Four different color stripes, blue, sky blue, red and orange, represents four sectors participating in the K-PACT. Their being crossed by each other connotes the cooperation and strong unity and a strong determination against the corruption. The diamond-shaped hole in the middle of the logo represents transparency in each sector of the society by the result of the K-PACT. Access K-PACT website.

The future

First meeting of the steering committee

The K-PACT is finally fructified through several months of strenuous efforts of the steering committee composed of representatives from the four sectors. Through the K-PACT TI Korea is anticipating that the awareness of Korean society regarding corruption would increase dramatically. Moreover, TI Korea hopes that it can be a foothold for a new society. TI Korea will make the most efforts to help the K-PACT succeed in every way possible for Korean society depends on it.

K-PACT Engaments

On 7 April 2005, the Council for the Korean Pact on Anti-Corruption and Transparency was established as it is written in the Pact.

Major economic organizations formed an economic sector council for the Korean Pact on Anti-Corruption and Transparency and many other organizations are participating in the Pact movement including Samsung, Construction sector, Ministry of Information and Communication, Korea Customs Service, Korea National Housing Corporation.

The council is working actively to encourage participation of citizens. They recently published a booklet and cartoon book explaining the Pact. Moreover, TI Korea published a booklet, "Together! Cleaner!" The booklet contains cartoon, preamble of the Pact and Citizen's Charters which was distributed at the International Innovative Exhibition 2005.