Charter

This document is for governance of OpenChain KWG.

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The OpenChain Korea Work Group (hereinafter referred to as KWG) is a Subgroup of the Linux Foundation OpenChain Project. Matters not covered in this charter are subject to the OpenChain Project Charter.

1. Definitions

The definitions of key terms used in this charter are as follows:

  • KWG: Refers to the OpenChain Korea Work Group.
  • Member: Refers to an individual or a representative of an organization participating in KWG activities in accordance with Article 4.1.
  • Steering Committee: Refers to the organization responsible for major decision-making and operations of the KWG in accordance with Article 5.1.
  • Subgroup: Refers to a small group formed for research and activities on a specific topic in accordance with Article 5.2.

2. Mission

The KWG contributes to building a transparent and trustworthy software supply chain by developing and sharing methods for companies in Korea that develop and distribute software to effectively achieve open source compliance through sharing and collaboration.

3. Principles

The KWG adheres to the following principles:

  • Open: All outputs are released under CC-0.
  • Welcoming and Respectful: We welcome and respect all members who adhere to the Code of Conduct.
  • Transparent: All processes are transparently disclosed.

4. Code of Conduct

All members of the KWG must be familiar with and adhere to the KWG’s Code of Conduct.

5. Membership

The members of the KWG are constituted as follows, and all members must agree to the KWG’s non-commercial and collaborative principles upon joining.

5.1. Member Eligibility and Enrollment

A person who meets one or more of the following eligibility requirements and is approved for membership by the Steering Committee may become a Member. However, the Steering Committee may deny membership if it deems that joining the KWG is inappropriate, even if the applicant meets the following requirements.

  • a. A person in charge of open source governance-related tasks (e.g., license, security, policy, AI ethics) at a company/organization that provides software products or services to end-users.
  • b. A person affiliated with a non-profit organization such as a university or research institute who conducts research or education on open source-related policies, licenses, security, AI ethics, etc.
  • c. A person recognized by the Steering Committee as being able to contribute to the achievement of the KWG’s mission.

5.2. Rights and Responsibilities of Members

As core constituents for the growth and development of the KWG, Members have the following rights and responsibilities:

  • They have the right to join the KWG mailing list and participate in its activities.
  • They have the right to participate in regular meetings and Subgroup activities.
  • They have the right to vote and be elected in accordance with the charter, and are eligible to run for the Steering Committee.
  • They must comply with the KWG’s Code of Conduct.

5.3. Subgroup Member

Any Member can become a Subgroup Member by participating in a Subgroup on a topic of interest.

  • Any Member can participate in a Subgroup on a topic of interest to become a Subgroup Member.
  • Subgroup Members contribute to the public interest by conducting in-depth research and development on specific topics to create joint outputs.
  • Subgroup Members join the mailing list of the respective Subgroup and participate in its regular meetings.

6. Organization

The KWG operates the following organizations for effective management:

  • Steering Committee
  • Subgroup

6.1. Steering Committee

6.1.1. Role and Decision-Making

  • The Steering Committee establishes the governance structure, including policy-making and charter creation for the KWG.
  • The Steering Committee operates the regular meetings of the KWG.
  • The Steering Committee makes major decisions for the KWG (e.g., approving annual activity plans, approving the formation of new Subgroups, deliberating on budgets).
  • The Steering Committee executes the KWG’s budget and transparently discloses its management details.
  • The Steering Committee meetings are convened with the attendance of a majority of its members and decisions are made by a majority vote of the attending members.

6.1.2. Composition

  • The Steering Committee is composed of members elected through an annual election by the Members.
  • The Steering Committee consists of 7 members by default, and the number can be increased if necessary.
  • The term of a Steering Committee member is two years, and they are elected through an election and can be reappointed.
  • A maximum of two members from a single company or organization can serve on the Steering Committee.

6.1.3. Chairperson

  • The Chairperson of the Steering Committee presides over the Steering Committee.
  • The Steering Committee elects a Chairperson every two years, and the elected Chairperson’s term is two years. Reappointment is possible.
  • The Chairperson of the Steering Committee is responsible for external communications on behalf of the KWG.
  • The Chairperson of the Steering Committee transparently discloses all activities. For this purpose, the Steering Committee mailing list is included in the reference for all external communications.

6.2. Subgroup

A Subgroup is a group for researching specific topics for more specialized collaboration.

6.2.1. Formation

  • A Member can propose the formation of a Subgroup to the Steering Committee for topics requiring specialized collaboration. The Steering Committee reviews the proposal and decides on its approval.
  • Non-members who are interested in the topic can participate in the Subgroup’s activities with the approval of the Subgroup Leader.

6.2.2. Leader

  • A Subgroup must have at least one leader, and the Member who proposed its formation usually takes on the role of leader.
  • The Subgroup Leader is responsible for communication and coordination with the Steering Committee and performs the following roles:
    • Presides over Subgroup meetings and discloses the results.
    • Keeps the Subgroup information up to date.

7. Elections

Steering Committee members are elected through an election, and the election method is as follows:

7.1. Voter Eligibility

  • Only Members are eligible to vote.

7.2. Candidate Eligibility

  • Only Members are eligible to run for the Steering Committee.
  • A Member can volunteer to be a Steering Committee member or recommend another Member.

7.3. Election Administrators

  • The Steering Committee selects three Election Administrators to run the election.
  • Election Administrators must be eligible to vote.
  • Election Administrators must be selected from at least two different companies or organizations.
  • Election Administrators establish and implement the election schedule.
  • Election Administrators document and transparently disclose the election results.

7.4. Election Process

  • The election is conducted using the Approval Voting method. Voters can vote for all candidates they believe are qualified.
  • Candidates are elected to the available seats in order of the number of votes received.
  • In case of a tie in the number of votes, a run-off election is held under the supervision of the Election Administrators.
  • The (tentative) election schedule is as follows:
    • June: Selection of Election Administrators
    • September: Confirmation of open seats and nominations
    • December: Election and announcement of results
  • If the number of candidates is less than or equal to the number of seats to be filled, the election may be replaced by a vote of approval/disapproval, which can be conducted by a show of hands at a regular meeting.

7.5. Vacancies

  • If an elected Steering Committee member resigns, the seat is offered to the runner-up from the previous election.
  • If the seat is still not filled, a special election for the position is held promptly.
  • A member elected in a special election serves the remainder of the predecessor’s term.

8. Charter Amendment

This charter can be amended through the review and approval of the Steering Committee.

  • A Steering Committee member can propose an amendment to the charter.
  • The proposed amendment must be discussed at a Steering Committee meeting.
  • An amendment is approved by a two-thirds or more majority vote of the Steering Committee members.
  • The approved amendment takes effect immediately and is announced to all Members.
  • The amended charter must be posted on the KWG’s official website.
  • The charter must be reviewed regularly at least once every two years to reflect the KWG’s development and changing needs.
Last modified November 6, 2025: update charter En (2615bb4f4)