VANK, led by director Park Gi-tae, announced on April 30, 2026, that it will launch a policy campaign to reflect independence activists and the spirit of independence in the Republic of Korea’s passport.
The campaign is the first project of VANK’s “We Are AI Lawmakers” initiative, which encourages citizens to propose policies as if they were legislators ahead of the 9th nationwide local elections on June 3.
VANK has focused on the idea that a passport is not just a travel document but the face of the nation that represents Korea’s history and identity to the world.
As the preamble of the Constitution states that the Republic of Korea inherits the legal legitimacy of the Provisional Government of the Republic of Korea, VANK argues that the history and spirit of the independence movement should be reflected in the visa pages, inner pages, and security design of passports, which are among the most frequently used official documents by citizens.
The organization also cited examples such as Ho Chi Minh on Vietnamese banknotes and Mahatma Gandhi on Indian currency, noting that many countries with histories of independence and nation-building incorporate historical leaders and symbols of independence into their currency and national symbols. It added that relying on a limited number of well-known figures should be avoided.
VANK emphasized the need to reflect a balanced range of independence activists, including women, youth, those active overseas, and regional figures. It also suggested incorporating diverse design elements beyond portraits, such as signatures, quotes, Taegeukgi motifs, records of the Declaration of Independence, symbols of the Provisional Government, and historical scenes.
To implement the proposal, VANK suggested that the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs form a consultative body with historians, security and design experts, and civil society to review its direction and feasibility. It also called for a public participation process, including a nationwide contest and public discussions under the theme “Independence activists and the spirit of independence to include in passports.”
Park said, “As the Republic of Korea was built on the sacrifices and dedication of independence activists, the passport, one of the most widely used official documents, should reflect that history and spirit.” He added, “Passports are among the official symbols of Korea most frequently encountered around the world, and including independence activists and their spirit can serve as both public diplomacy and a form of everyday historical education that conveys Korea’s roots and values globally.”
He further noted, “Independence activists not reflected on currency should be included in passports. Incorporating them into passports goes beyond commemorating the past and helps establish Korea’s identity in the present and future.”
VANK also stressed that reflecting independence activists in passports is not merely symbolic but a policy that visually represents the constitutional values of freedom, independence, sovereignty, and a democratic republic.
The organization said it plans to continue proposing policies that revive the spirit of the independence movement in everyday life and in Korea’s engagement with the world.
Meanwhile, VANK is promoting the “We Are AI Lawmakers” campaign through its national policy communication platform “Woollim” in connection with the June 3 local elections. The campaign encourages citizens to participate in policymaking not only during elections but also in their daily lives by proposing ideas and systems that can help shape Korean society.
Further details about the campaign can be found on the “Woollim” platform page (https://www.woollimkorea.net/center-of-woollim/view.jsp?sno=4062).