The organization was formed by social activists such as Ahn Changho, Sin Chaeho, Park Eun-sik, and Lim Chi-jung.
With their belief that the Enlightenment could strengthen the national power of Korea to achieve independence, they took action on military movement, education, publication, and industrialization.
The main political ideology of the New People's Association was based on ideals of democracy and republicanism, which is far different from the constitutional monarchy the Independence Club espoused.
As they believed that the Enlightenment was one of the most crucial factors in strengthening national power, the New People's Association also made a massive investment in education in Korea.
At the same time, Sonyeon (Boys, 소년) was published as a monthly magazine for students, and all these publication activities provided a basis for Korea's modern culture.