Democratic Party Launches Innovation TF at Democracy Research Institute: “To Serve as Headquarters for Continuous Governance”

Strengthening Strategic and Political Functions Expected

Lawmakers Ahn Taejun and Park Heeseung Join the TF

Kang Heeyong, Kim Yong, Min Ki, Han Sangik and Others Participating

The Democratic Party of Korea has established an Innovation Task Force (TF) in order to bolster the strategic capabilities of its party think tank, the Democracy Research Institute.

On August 25, Kang Deuk-gu, a Democratic Party lawmaker and head of the Innovation TF, held an inauguration ceremony at the National Assembly. He stated, "What role the Democracy Research Institute plays will serve as a vital compass for determining the Democratic Party's course and future," and added, "That is why the party leader has prioritized the establishment of the Innovation TF above all else."

(Seoul=Yonhap News) Reporter Donghae Lee = Kang Deuk-gu, a member of the Democratic Party and head of the Innovation Task Force at the Democracy Research Institute, is speaking at the '1st Meeting of the Innovation Task Force at the Democracy Research Institute' held at the National Assembly on August 25, 2026. eastsea@yna.co.kr (End)

Kang emphasized, "The Democracy Research Institute must be further developed so that, in 10 to 20 years, it will fully function as the strategic headquarters of the ruling party, shaping the future of the Republic of Korea."

First, the TF plans to consolidate or eliminate any work at the Democracy Research Institute that overlaps with other party organizations. In particular, it will reduce policy functions so as to strengthen its political affairs and strategic roles. Policy functions are expected to be unified under the party’s Policy Committee.

In addition, the organization’s functions will be restructured so that the Democracy Research Institute can serve as a continuous headquarters for governing. Kang stated, "While responding sensitively to shifts in public opinion, the institute must also lead the party's mid- and long-term strategy and policies. The research institute’s organization and functions should be redesigned so that strategy and policy are produced quickly and organically, flowing directly into party decision-making."

The institute will also enhance its capabilities in public opinion polling and analysis. To this end, it plans to proactively introduce not only advanced analysis capabilities but also new analytic technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI).

Furthermore, it will strengthen competencies in local governance. Kang stated, "We will ensure that the Democracy Party effectively educates and trains outstanding resources, including Democratic Party-affiliated local government heads, local council members, and groups of candidates."

Serving as TF committee members are lawmakers Ahn Tae-jun and Park Heeseung; former Democracy Research Institute Deputy Director Kim Yong; former Senior Secretary for Political Affairs at the Prime Minister's Office Kang Heeyong; honorary professor Min Ki from Jeju National University; attorney Chae Wooree; and former Presidential Office Secretary for National Policy Han Sangik, among others.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.