Event Recap
Startups in Focus: AI Powering the Way We Live
The Korea Society has successfully hosted the Startup Scene’s 2026 annual forum: “Startups in Focus: AI Powering the Way We Live,” supported exclusively by Hanwha Life, on Thursday, May 21, 2026. This year’s forum celebrated pioneering entrepreneurs who energize the business landscape with their innovative approaches, alongside accelerators and investors who empower their progress. The forum was opened with remarks by Michael Burke (Head of International Network Management, Citi’s Banking & International Organization), Dr. Abraham Kim (President and CEO, The Korea Society) and joined by Dr. Jinwoo Hwang (Senior Executive Vice President) of Hanwha Life and Sangho Kim (Consul General, Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in New York) with a special address.
The forum officially kicked off with a fireside chat with keynote speaker, Steve Jang, Founder and Managing Partner of Kindred Ventures, an early-stage venture capital firm focused on software, Internet, and deep-technology investing. Joined by Dr. Abraham Kim (President & CEO, The Korea Society), Steve spoke on his investment philosophy and opportunities in the new wave of AI innovation.
With five panel sessions, the forum focused on topics surrounding innovation synergy, exploring how investment, corporations, and the greater startup community can come together to celebrate the successes of startups. Exclusive insights from BCI experts and innovators were demonstrated by Dr. Min Kyung Lee (Assistant Professor; UT Austin School of Information) and Peter Yoo (Senior Director, Neuroscience & Algorithms; Synchron).
Tim Hwang (Co-Founder and CEO, Nitra) discussed the current fintech investment landscape and Nitra’s wedge-in strategy with Dorothy Chang (Venture Partner, Fybridge).
SY Lee (CEO and Co-Founder, Story Protocol) and David Park (Managing Partner, Warren Equity Partners, Founding Member, Digital Storytelling Lab of Columbia University) discussed how data ownership and rights are becoming a critical chokepoint in AI development.
Hyunsun Ahn (@Ahnstoppable_tech), Taeyong Kim (CEO, EO), Ryan Cheah (Founder, The 21st), and Sho Young Shin (Director of Platform, ERA) shared how the next generation of entrepreneurs can leverage AI to build distinctive brand identities and navigate an increasingly competitive and fast-moving market landscape.
Chang (CK) Kim (Founder & CEO, Saywise), Kirak Hong (Co-founder and CTO, Sandbar), and Dorothy Chang (Venture Partner, Flybridge) took a look at how AI startups are transforming everyday experiences across productivity and commerce.
