CONGRATULATIONS!
Wishing you all the happiness and love as you prepare to welcome your new arrival. Your babies are already surrounded by so much love. Congratulations on your growing family!
CONGRATULATIONS!
Wishing you all the happiness and love as you prepare to welcome your new arrival. Your babies are already surrounded by so much love. Congratulations on your growing family!
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Welcome to the latest installment of the Korea Society’s Leadership Interview Series featuring José Muñoz, President and Global Chief Operating Officer of Hyundai Motor Company, who also serves as the President and CEO of Hyundai and Genesis Motor North America. President Muñoz is one of the most influential leaders in the auto industry.
President Muñoz will look back at the roots of Hyundai Motor’s remarkable story, discuss current developments, and provide insights into the future of the auto industry in the United States. He will also delve into the impacts of IRA and trade tensions on Hyundai’s global business, its strategy to become one of the world’s top EV manufacturers, and much more. Join us for this special opportunity to hear first-hand about his path to becoming a top executive at Hyundai and how he navigates the rapidly evolving industry landscape.
This program was recorded on August 22 at Hyundai Motor America in Fountain Valley, CA.
Interview with President and Global Chief Operating Officer, Hyundai Motor Company, José Muñoz
Tuesday, August 29, 2023 | 6:00 PM (EDT)
The Korea Society
350 Madison Avenue, 24th Floor
New York, NY 10017
ABOUT THE SPEAKER:

José Muñoz is the president and global COO of Hyundai Motor Company and the president and CEO of Hyundai and Genesis Motor North America. In this capacity, Muñoz is responsible for driving greater performance in key strategic regions, including Europe, India and the Middle East and Africa. This includes leading global talent acquisition & management to recruit and retain core talent in new technology-based businesses. Muñoz is also responsible for global sales, service and product planning as part of the Global Business Operations Division.
Based in Hyundai’s U.S. headquarters in Fountain Valley, California, Muñoz also oversees the entire American market, including Hyundai Motor North, Central and South America, as the head of the Hyundai Motor Americas Region. Prior to joining Hyundai, Muñoz was most recently the Chief Performance Officer for Nissan Motor Corporation and the Chairman of Nissan China. He joined Nissan in 2004 and during his 15 years at the automaker led significant growth and record sales in the regions he managed.
Muñoz is a native of Spain and earned his Ph.D. in nuclear engineering from Polytechnic University of Madrid and has an MBA from Instituto de Empresa (IE) Business School in Madrid. He has also completed executive management programs from Cranfield School of Management in the U.K. and INSEAD Business School in France. He is fluent in English, Spanish and French.
Career Highlights
2018 – 2019: Chief Performance Officer and Chairman China, Nissan
2016 – 2018: Chief Performance Officer and Chairman North America, Nissan
2014 – 2016: EVP, Chairman of Management Committee, North America, Nissan
2004 – 2014: General Manager Nissan Europe, Managing Director Nissan Motor Iberia, President Nissan Mexico, Nissan
1999 – 2004: After Sales and Dealer Network Development Management roles, Toyota Motor Marketing Europe
1996 – 1999: Network Development Director, Daewoo Motor Iberia
1989 – 1996 : Dealer, Citroën
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Images courtesy of the artists |
Two young Korean-American photographers present a series of images, a poignant portrait of a community and its habitants from the areas considered to be “Koreatown”—one in Los Angeles, one in New York. Emanuel Hahn and Janice Chung document the lives and stories in two of the most diverse neighborhoods in America, as the communities and neighborhoods themselves continue to evolve and change. It is a celebration of the Korean immigrants and their experiences, and the artists ask the viewer to reconsider the common notions of what it means to be from “here.”
Emanuel Hahn‘s Koreatown Dreaming series was born out of a sense of urgency to document the stories of Koreatown LA during the Covid-19 pandemic and creeping gentrification. Although Koreatown is increasingly a popular destination for tourists and transplants, many small businesses in Koreatown serving the local population are closing, and long-time establishments and mom-and-pop stores have disappeared without leaving a record of their history and contributions to the city of Los Angeles. Documenting the lives and stories of those who are still surviving, his photo series offers a compelling insight into this entrepreneurial immigrant group.
In her HAN IN TOWN series, Janice Chung captures what was once the epicenter of Koreatown in New York City—Flushing, Queens—and focuses on the various businesses that have continued to serve the Korean-American community through all of the neighborhood’s transformations. By spotlighting these businesses, Chung investigates communal nostalgia for a Flushing of the past. Her other series Where Are You? uncovers a vulnerable search for identity and belonging within the intimate spaces of family. Documented over the course of five years, photographs taken in her hometown of Queens weave together the places of Chung’s childhood. Viewers are asked to take a second glance and remain just a while longer in the generational gaps and cultural tensions felt by Korean Americans.
Artist Talk: Emanuel Hahn |
Artist Talk: Janice Chung |
The Korea Society Gallery is open only by appointment. The appointment must be made at least 24 hours prior to the scheduled visit. To make an appointment, please contact info@koreasociety.org.
Gallery Hours: Monday-Friday 10 AM-4:30 PM
Summer Hours during the month of August: Monday-Thursday 10 AM-4:30 PM
By Appointment Only
Click here to make an appointment
@ The Korea Society
350 Madison Avenue, 24th Floor, NYC
**Pre-registration is now required for all Korea Society events, and an ID is required for security.**
For more information, please contact info@koreasociety.org or call (212) 759-7525.
ABOUT THE ARTISTS:
Emanuel Hahn is a Los Angeles-based photographer and director. As a Korean Third Culture Kid growing up in Singapore and Cambodia, he developed an interest in storytelling around topics of identity, diasporic experiences and the question of what it means “to belong”. His deep observational and listening abilities have led him to tell the stories of the coffee farmers in Colombia, Chinese grocery store owners in the Mississippi Delta, the Korean Uzbeks in Brooklyn, and most recently the Koreatown community in Los Angeles through his photo book Koreatown Dreaming.
Born and raised in Queens, New York City, Janice Chung is a Korean American photographer whose work explores themes of nostalgia, home, and the hyphenated experience. Often utilizing the natural elements in her environment, Chung examines the nuanced complexities of Korean American identity within the diasporic struggle and immigrant narrative. Chung’s work has been featured in publications such as Vogue, New York Magazine’s The Cut, Hyperallergic, Damn Magazine, and Booooooom.
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The Korea Society welcomes you to the latest episode of its Leadership Interview Series with Jeong-Woo Choi, CEO of POSCO Holdings and Chairman of POSCO Group, an iconic Korean company. Chairman Choi is in conversation with Ambassador Kathleen Stephens, Korea Society Board Chair and President of Korea Economic Institute of America.
The conversation reviews POSCO Group’s extraordinary half-century rise to become a leading global steelmaker and much more. Chairman Choi describes its current vision as it continues to broaden into new markets and technologies, including hydrogen, batteries, and more. How are rising protectionism, emerging industrial policy, and the challenges of geopolitical flux, climate change, and supply chain management impacting POSCO Group’s operations and plans? Chairman Choi also discusses how it fits into the growing nexus of multi-faceted U.S.-South Korean economic ties and how it is advancing its ESG initiatives to promote sustainable and green industries.
Co-hosted by The Korea Society and The Korea Economic Institute of America (KEI), this program was recorded at POSCO Center in Seoul on May 11, 2023.
Interview with POSCO Group Chairman Jeong-Woo Choi
Wednesday, May 31, 2023 | 6:30 PM (EDT)
The Korea Society
350 Madison Avenue, 24th Floor
New York, NY 10017
ABOUT THE SPEAKER:

Jeong-Woo Choi
CEO, POSCO Holdings
Chairman, POSCO Group
Mr. Choi, Jeong-Woo joined the steel industry in 1983, and has spent his entire professional career at POSCO in South Korea. In 2006, he became the Head of Finance Department which began his lifelong commitment to strategic and financial planning both in POSCO and its affiliates, namely, POSCO E&C, POSCO International and POSCO Future M.
While serving as the Head of Corporate Strategy & Finance Center at POSCO and as the CFO from 2015, he successfully led group-wide restructuring efforts which laid the foundation for POSCO’s next leap in the face of rapidly changing business environment. His stints at POSCO’s affiliates have enhanced his understanding of the entire POSCO Group, which makes him the optimal leader to create cross-affiliate synergy and competitiveness.
He became the CEO of POSCO in July 2018, and then the CEO of POSCO Holdings in Mar. 2022.
He earned his B.A. in Economics from Pusan National University in Busan, the second largest city of Korea.
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Join us for the latest episode of our Leadership Interview Series with FILA Holdings Corporation & Acushnet Holdings Corporation Chairman Gene Yoon, moderated by The Korea Society’s President & CEO Tom Byrne.
Chairman Gene Yoon has a legendary story of success as a self-made businessman. His early career in business was a stepping stone that paved the way to his leveraged buyout of the global FILA brand in 2007. He brought the storied Italian-born brand back to life after taking the company public in Korea in 2010.
Chairman Yoon will share inspiring lessons and insights learned from his remarkable career, guided by his entrepreneurial spirit. Chairman Yoon will recount his career milestones and how he achieved business successes against formidable odds. He currently serves as the Chairman of both FILA Holdings Corporation and Acushnet Holdings Corporation, which hold the trademarks for FILA as well as Titleist and FootJoy respectively. Under his leadership, he has propelled both firms to oversee leading global golf and sportswear brands.
Chairman Yoon has received numerous accolades in his career and serves on the board of The Korea Society.
Interview with FILA Holdings Corporation & Acushnet Holdings Corporation Chairman Gene Yoon
Wednesday, May 3, 2023 | 6:30 PM (EDT)
The Korea Society
350 Madison Avenue, 24th Floor
New York, NY 10017
ABOUT THE SPEAKER:

Yoon Soo (Gene) Yoon
Chairman
FILA Holdings Corp.|Acushnet Holdings Corp.
| EXPERIENCE | ||
| Apr. 2007-Present | Chairman | FILA Holdings Corp. | |
| July 2011-Present | Chairman | Acushnet Holdings Corp. (Titleist ® and FootJoy ® are trademarks owned by Acushnet.) |
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| Dec. 2015-Present | Chairman | Magnus Holdings Co., Ltd. | |
| May 2014-Present | Board Member | The Korea Society | |
| 2017 – 2022 | CEO and a Director of Piemonte | |
| 2015 – 2017 | Vice-chairman of Korea Mécénat Association | |
| Sep. 7, 2012 | Co-chair of the ITHF’s Legends Ball 2012 | |
| 2012 – 2021 | Non-Executive Director of Korea Golf Association(KGA) | |
| 2009 – 2012 | Executive Vice Chairman of Korea International Trade Association (KITA) | |
| 2004 – 2008 | Outside Director of Shinhan Financial Group | |
| 1999 – 2001 | First President of Italian-Korean Business Association (IKBA) | |
| 1999 – 2001 | Non-executive Director of Hanvit Bank (Compensation Committee) | |
| 1985 – 2017 | Chairman of Care Line Corp. | |
| 1984 – 1985 | President of Daewoon Trading Co. | |
| 1981 – 1984 | Export Director of Hwasung Co., Ltd | |
| 1975 – 1981 | Merchandiser(MD) of JC Penney | |
| 1973 – 1975 | Staff of Korea Shipping Corporation (KSC) | |
| EDUCATION | ||
| Feb. 25, 1974 | Graduated from Hankuk University of Foreign Studies with a Bachelor’s degree in the department of Political Science & Diplomacy. | |
| Feb. 11, 1964 | Graduated from Seoul High School | |
| HONORS | ||
| Feb. 21, 2022 | Be awarded an honorary doctorate in Business from Sejong University | |
| Jan. 23, 2015 | Be awarded the first recipient of the Staff Sgt. Kim Sang-won Distinguished Former KATUSA Award | |
| Dec. 1, 2014 | Be awarded The 7th honorary member of the Korea Academy of Science and Technology (KAST) | |
| Apr. 5, 2014 | Be awarded the Global CEO from Korean Academy of International Business | |
| Dec. 11, 2013 | Be awarded the Presidential Citation at the 6th Korea Fashion Awards | |
| Nov. 28, 2012 | Be awarded Master from Entrepreneur Of The Year Korea 2012 | |
| Feb. 24, 2012 | Be nominated as a Commencement Speaker for the Seoul National University’s 66th Graduation Ceremony in 2012 | |
| Apr. 13, 2010 | Be awarded Honorary Citizenship of FILA’s Home City of Biella, Italy | |
| Dec. 12, 2008 | “Chevalier of the Order of the Merit of the Italian Republic” from Italian Government | |
| Dec. 12, 2008 | Special award in the ‘Global CEO’ category of the 4th Korea CEO Grand Prix hosted by the Korea CEO Research Forum | |
| Mar. 5, 2007 | Be selected as a model taxpayer and received the Presidential Commendation at the 41st Taxpayer’s Day(FILA KOREA) | |
| Apr. 20, 2004 | Be selected as “Proud Hankuk University of Foreign Studies (HUFS) Alumnus Award” in Commemoration of the 50th Anniversary of the University | |
| Feb. 12, 2004 | Be awarded as the “Proud Suwon Middle School Alumni Award” | |
| Dec. 17, 2001 | Be selected for the “Proud Seoul Citizen Award” from Seoul Metropolitan Government | |
| Dec. 4, 2000 | Be awarded as the “2000 Proud Seoul People” from the Seoul High School Alumni Association | |
| Mar. 3, 2000 | Received the Presidential Commendation as a model taxpayer at the 34 th Taxpayer’s Day. | |
| June 1, 1998 | Be awarded the Dasan Management Award by Korea Economy Newspaper | |
| Dec. 23, 1992 | Be awarded the Industrial Design Award from the President Roh Tae-woo | |
| PUBLICATIONS | ||
| July 2, 2011 | [THE AGE OF GLOBAL SUCCESS “The man of 4 million miles – Fila Chairman Gene Yoon”] aired on KBS 1 TV(No.1 Public service broadcaster in Korea) | |
| Apr 20, 2002 | “HOW TO BECOME A GREAT BOSS: The Rules for Getting and Keeping the Best Employees”, by the best-selling author Jeffrey J. Fox, translated into Korean from English (THE NAN Contents Group) | |
| Apr 5 – Apr 18, 2002 | Contributed a column “My Business Story” to The Maeil Business Newspaper | |
| Sep 5 – Oct 31, 2001 | Contributed a column “Hankyung Essay” to The Korea Economic Daily Newspape | |
| July 1, 2001 | “The speed of thought should be fast”(Yeobaek Media) | |
| Aug 16, 1999 – Mar 23, 2000 | Contributed a column “Management Aesthetics of Yoon Soo Yoon” to The Seoul Economic Daily Newspaper | |
| Dec. 12, 1997 | “The reason why I get 1.8 billion won a year”(Chosun) | |
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Let’s ring in the year 2023 with us!
The Korea Society is pleased to invite you to our members-only Annual Membership Appreciation Party on Thursday, January 26, beginning at 6:30 PM EST.
Our Membership Party is one of our flagship events to express our deep sense of gratitude for our members and acknowledge their invaluable support throughout the year. The event will be full of festivities, delicious food, and networking. We will also draw winners for our silent auction and raffle that will be wonderful new year’s gifts! A live concert by G-Hwaja, a creative music band featuring a blend of Western and Korean traditional instruments, will be held to enliven the night. Don’t miss out on this special performance by G-Hwaja to get yourself into the spirit of heung, or “joy”!
Become a member or renew your membership today and enjoy the special evening filled with music, gifts, and love for Korea!
Supporter, Fellow members and above may bring one complimentary guest to the party.
(Limited Space Available) Register by Friday, January 20, 2023
For non-members or guest of members to purchase tickets, please click the box below.

G-Hwaja performs creative music through a collaboration of Western and Korean traditional instruments, melding disparate tones and styles. The group seeks to express the emotions of the times in a dramatic way by utilizing the uniquely expressive characteristics of Korean traditional music – particularly its sense of excitement known as Hueng and the bittersweet sense of grief known as Han – to deliver familiar music with new emotional dimensions. G-Hwaja strives to popularize Korean traditional music by delivering a dynamic and vivid image of Korean to the modern world. Since its creation, G-Hwaja had its first performance at the John F Kennedy Center in Washington D.C last year in February.
Your donation, at whatever level you choose to join, provides vital support for our event. We will prominently recognize your generosity prior, during and after the event, and via website and social media. Please become a supporter of The Korea Society and highlight your brand’s visibility to our members, many of whom are key business executives, diplomats and young professionals within the U.S.-Korea relations.
Event Sponsorship
Gold – $3,000
• Opportunity for welcoming remarks by a company representative
• Verbal Recognition as a Gold Sponsor during the event
• On-screen recognition with logo by level before and after the event
• Acknowledgement by level on the website, social media, and promotional emails
• Acknowledgement in our Annual Report
• 20 additional tickets to the party
• One year individual membership (Patron level at $500/year)
Silver – $2,000
• Verbal Recognition as a Silver Sponsor during the event
• On-screen recognition with logo by level before and after the event
• Acknowledgement by level on the website, social media, and promotional emails
• Acknowledgement in our Annual Report
• 10 additional tickets to the party
• One year individual membership (Fellow level at $250/year)
Bronze – $1,000
• On-screen recognition with logo by level before and after the event
• Acknowledgement by level on the website, social media, and promotional emails
• 5 additional tickets to the party
• One year individual membership (Supporter level at $150/year)
In-kind donation is also welcome.
For sponsorship inquiries, please contact Yun Park, Development Officer, at yun.park@koreasociety.org.
Sponsors
GOLD
BRONZE
MeeHyun Kim
IN-KIND DONORS
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| 21 Golf Range |
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| COTE Korean Steakhouse |
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| Fila |
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| Glow Recipe |
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| Haerfest |
| Jane Yoo, MD |
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| Kim’C Market |
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| Korean Air |
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| Korean Cultural Center New York |
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| The Kunjip |
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| LIE SANGBONG |
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| Mama O’s |
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| MK KARAOKE |
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| New Wonjo |
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| Pavé |
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| Red Poke |
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| Samsung Electronics America |
| Seongmin Ahn |
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| Sojo Spa Club |
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| Soju Haus |
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| West 32 Soju |
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| Yoon Haeundae Galbi |
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Join us for a conversation with Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon moderated by The Korea Society President & CEO Tom Byrne. This interview is reintroduced under ‘Local Leadership in a Global Context,’ to unveil fresh perspectives in this newly announced series. Mayor Oh assesses topical issues facing Seoul, including his approach to the city’s comprehensive institutional frameworks as well as the development of public policies. Mayor Oh also shares his vision and insights on the future role of Seoul in the realm of science, technology, and finance and the importance of the ROK-U.S. alliance in shaping Seoul as a globally competitive metropolis.
This program was recorded at Seoul City Hall when President Byrne recently visited South Korea.
Interview with Seoul Mayor
Oh Se-hoon
Tuesday, December 13, 2022 | 6 PM (EST)
The Korea Society
350 Madison Avenue, 24th Floor
New York, NY 10017
ABOUT THE SPEAKER:

H.E. Oh Se-hoon
Mayor of Seoul
Oh Se-hoon worked as a lawyer before entering into politics after being elected as a member of the Korean National Assembly in 2000 at the age of 40. He is known for leading the legislative process of the Political Reform Law, also referred to as the “Oh Se-hoon Law”, which was helpful in establishing a transparent election culture in Korea.
During his terms as the 33rd and 34th Mayor of Seoul from 2006 to 2010, he introduced “Creative Governance” in city administration and implemented the “Women Happiness” project, which led to Seoul receiving two UN Public Service Awards in 2009.
He adopted “Design Seoul” policies to raise city competitiveness, and Seoul was designated as the UNESCO World Design Capital in 2010. His “SHift” policy, which is a long-term rental housing policy for the middle class and particularly for those who are not homeowners, was recognized by the UN as an exemplary urban housing policy.
Also in 2010, he initiated the founding of WeGO, the World e-Government Organization (World Smart Sustainable Cities Organization), the aim of which is to facilitate exchanges and cooperation among cities in the world to ensure sustainable development in the future. He served as WeGO’s first President.
Later, as a member of an advisory group for KOICA (Korea International Cooperation Agency), he traveled to Lima, Peru and Kigali, Rwanda to actively promote Seoul’s best practices in city administration to developing countries. He is currently serving as the 38th Mayor of Seoul, and is focused not only on leading swift and effective measures to tackle COVID-19, but also on putting Seoul alongside globally competitive top cities in the world with special emphasis on developing cutting-edge science and technology and the international financial industry.
Learn how to make your own bojagi—traditional Korean wrapping cloths—in this hands-on workshop. Participants will learn how to create a mini double layer bojagi called gub-bo using various colorful Korean ramie and hemp fabric and hand sewing techniques. Your own unique mini bojagi with geometric patterns can either be displayed as art in a frame or used as a decorative household item.
Most materials—Korean ramie fabric, colored thread, needle, pins, marker, pencil, eraser, rulers—will be provided. Bring your own pin cushion if you would like.
About the Artist:
Wonju Seo was born and raised in Seoul Korea, where she received her B.F.A in Fine Arts Painting from Hong-Ik University in 1988. After graduating college, she has worked as a package designer and silk painting artist for a long time. In 1998, she came to the United State to continue her career as an artist. Seo has taught at The Korea Society, the Lee Young Hee Museum of Korean Culture in New York City, the Charles B. Wang Center in Stony Brook, New York and Newark Museum in New Jersey. Her art works have been selected by juries for many arts competitions, and she has been nationally and internationally exhibited in galleries and museumss. Seo’s works are in the permanent collections of the Newark Museum, NJ; Charles B. Wang Center, Stony Brook University, NY; and Grand Hyatt Hotel, Jeju Dream Tower, Jeju Island, South Korea. |
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On July 14, 2022, The Korea Society hosted “The Comprehensive, Strategic U.S.-Korea Alliance,” a conference in Atlanta, Georgia produced in partnership with the Southeast U.S. Korean Chamber of Commerce. This event was held at the Commerce Club Atlanta.
The conference was the rollout of a strategic initiative of the Society to highlight the diplomatic, security, business and investment aspects of the multifaceted, dynamic U.S.-Korea relationship. It was composed of keynote speeches, two morning panels, a luncheon, and a closing reception.
The conference served to connect the local Atlanta and the wider Southeast U.S. audience with high-impact speakers who provided insights on a series of engaging topics.
| 8:30 AM | REGISTRATION | |
| 9:00 AM | BREAKFAST SERVED | |
| PANEL ONE – A FUTURE-ORIENTED U.S.-KOREA RELATIONSHIP | ||
| 9:35 AM | WELCOMING REMARKS Thomas J. Byrne, President and CEO, The Korea Society |
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| 9:40 AM | VIDEO KEYNOTE ADDRESS Senator Jon Ossoff, U.S. Senator for Georgia |
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| 9:50 AM | WELCOME KEYNOTE H. E. Yoonjoo Park, Consul General, Consulate General of the ROK in Atlanta |
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| 10:00 AM | PANEL ONE OPENING REMARKS Scott Walker, Director, Office of Korean Affairs, U.S. Department of State |
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| 10:15 AM | PANEL ONE – SECURITY AND DIPLOMACY
Moderator Panelists |
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| PANEL TWO – NEW COMPREHENSIVE ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIP Coordination and Partnership by The Southeast U.S. Korean Chamber of Commerce |
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| 11:15 AM | PANEL TWO DISCUSSION
Moderator Panelists |
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| 12:15 PM | LUNCH (provided at seated table)
KEYNOTE ADDRESS Pat Wilson, Commissioner for Georgia Department of Economic Development |
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| 1:00 PM | CLOSING REMARKS Jae Kim, President, The Southeast U.S. Korean Chamber of Commerce |
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| 1:15 PM | AFTER EVENT NETWORKING Open for networking until 3:00 PM |
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General (Ret.) Vincent K. Brooks
Chairman
Korea Defense Veterans Association
Vincent K. Brooks. General (Retired) Vincent “Vince” Brooks is a career Army officer who served in the U.S. Army for over 42 years, from his entry into West Point in 1976 until his retirement from active duty in 2019 as a four-star general. Brooks spent his final seventeen years as a general officer and in nearly all of those years in command of large, complex military organizations in challenging situations. Most recently, from 2016 until his retirement, he was the commander of all Korean and United States forces in the Republic of Korea. In the two positions prior to Korea he served as the commander of all United States Army forces throughout the Indo-Asia Pacific region from 2013 to 2016 during the strategic rebalancing to Asia, and as the commander of all United States Army forces in the Middle East and Central Asia from 2011 to 2013 during the reduction of forces in Iraq and the buildup of forces in Afghanistan as well as the phenomenon known as “the Arab Spring. During his tenure in the Army, he gained uncommon experience in leading through complex, ambiguous situations with significant national security interests and risks at stake. In retirement, he applies these experiences in the numerous activities in which he is involved. He is a combat veteran. General Brooks serves as a Director for three public boards (Diamondback Energy Inc., Jacobs Inc., and Verisk Analytics Inc.); and two non-profit boards (Vice Chairman of the Gary Sinise Foundation, and Chairman and President of the Korea Defense Veterans Association). General Brooks is also a Consultant Principal with WestExec Advisors, a visiting Senior Fellow at Harvard Kennedy School’s Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs, and a Distinguished Fellow at the University of Texas with both the Clements Center for National Security and the Strauss Center for International Security and Law. Brooks holds a Bachelor of Science in Engineering from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, a Master of Military Art and Science from the U.S. Army School of Advanced Military Studies and holds an honorary Doctor of Laws from the New England School of Law and an honorary Doctor of Humanities from New England Law | Boston. He is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations.

Thomas J. Byrne
President & CEO
The Korea Society
Thomas J. Byrne joined The Korea Society as its President in August of 2015. He comes to the Society from Moody’s Investor Services, where he was Senior Vice President, Regional Manager, Spokesperson, and Director of Analysis for the Sovereign Risk Group in the Asia-Pacific and Middle East regions working in Moody’s Singapore office. Before moving to Moody’s in 1996, he was the Senior Economist of the Asia Department at the Institute of International Finance in Washington DC. Tom has an MA degree in International Relations with an emphasis on economics from The Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies and a BS degree in Biology from State University of New York at Stony Brook. Before his graduate work, he served in South Korea for three years as a US Peace Corps volunteer. President Byrne teaches as an adjunct professor at Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs in New York City and at Georgetown University’s Graduate School of Foreign Service in Washington, D.C. As president, he has written opinion articles which were published in the Wall Street Journal, Bloomberg View, The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Financial Times, The National Interest, and Reuters Breakingviews.

Stuart Countess
President & CEO
Kia Georgia
Stuart Countess is the President and Chief Executive Officer of Kia Georgia’s manufacturing facility in West Point, GA. Countess is responsible for all operational facets of the four-model assembly plant that employs over 2,900 employees and produces a capacity of 340,000 vehicles annually. A graduate of the University of Alabama in Electrical Engineering, Countess began his 30-year manufacturing career with Hughes Aircraft Corporation before moving into automotive at the Mercedes Benz assembly plant in Vance, AL. In 2008, Countess was hired as the Sr. Manager for Kia Georgia’s General Assembly shop, where he was a key figure in developing and implementing The Kia Way and the Georgia Production System as core practices of the facility’s operational system. Since his hiring, Countess has held positions as the company’s Director of Quality, Vice President of Quality and Chief Administrative Officer, and Chief Operating Officer before assuming his current role. Countess is very active in community, civic, and educational organizations promoting individual development and providing leadership through service on multiple boards and committees in various capacities. He currently sits on leadership boards for the Georgia Chamber, Lagrange College, Lagrange Academy, Georgia State Workforce Development Board, and The Carter Center, while chairing a key committee in Georgia’s Electric Mobility and Innovation Alliance (EMIA). Countess is an avid golfer and loyal supporter of the Alabama Crimson Tide. He and his wife, Dana, reside in Lagrange, GA. They have (4) children and (4) grandchildren.

Steven Jahng
Director/Head of External Affairs/Social Value
SK Battery America, Inc.
Steven Jahng is Director/Head of External Affairs/Social Value for SK Battery America, Inc. Prior to joining SK Battery America, Mr. Jahng was Executive Director for JP Morgan in Seoul and Singapore. Prior to that, he was Director at HSBC Investment Bank in Seoul. Mr. Jahng graduated from Columbia University, School of Engineering and Applied Science with a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering.

Athar Kahn
Director, International Specialty Sales
Delta Air Lines
Athar Khan was appointed to the role of Director, International Specialty Sales in October 2020. Athar and his team are responsible for managing Delta’s relationship with accounts specialized in Asia Pacific, Latin and EMEAI Consolidator business, within the United States. Athar and his team coordinate joint selling activities with our partners Aeromexico, Air France/KLM, Virgin Atlantic, Korean Air, and China Eastern.Athar returns from Seoul, South Korea where he was positioned as Director, Asia Pacific, Sales. Athar and his team were responsible for managing Delta’s relationship with Global and Multi-National Accounts as well as world’s three largest Travel Management Companies in Asia Pacific Athar was seconded to Jet Airways as Vice President, Americas, for Jet Airways in 2018. Prior to that, Athar served as Director, NY Financial, responsible for the major investment banks and private equity accounts, as well as Director, New York Sales where he helped lead Delta’s drive to “Win in New York”.Additionally, Athar brings significant international experience from his roles in Doha with Qatar Airways as well as in LAC, EMEA and APAC during his 18 years with American Airlines, making him an ideal fit for his new position.Athar graduated from Marlboro College, Vermont with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics and Sociology. Athar currently lives with his family in Atlanta, Georgia.

Yoonie Kim
Director of Korean Investment
Georgia Department of Economic Development
Yoonie Kim serves as a director of Korean investment for the Georgia Department of Economic Development, focusing on attracting international investment into Georgia. Having joined the department in 2006, Yoonie has located 130 foreign direct investment projects into Georgia, creating 22,600 international jobs and $11,700,000,000 in capital investment. These companies include Hyundai Motor Company, SK on, Hanwha Q Cells, LG Hausys, Hyundai Powertech, Doosan Infracore, SK C&C, Samsung LED, Hyundai Heavy Industry, Johnson Controls, Fortune Group as well as numerous small and medium sized international companies. Yoonie also serves many other capacities within the department, including leading the Governor’s & Commissioners’ delegations to Korea; organizing international events; hosting international delegations in Georgia; leading numerous international investment promotion seminars and conferences; attending trade shows and missions; assisting with Georgia’s efforts to help Kia Motors establish their US presence and recruiting their multiple supplier companies; guiding the department with cultural protocols in the Asia region; and developing marketing and communications materials to promote Georgia and its products internationally. Prior to her joining GDEcD, Yoonie served as a quality evaluator for Korean language searches at Google, Inc. Yoonie also worked as assistant manager for International Marketing at ePhoenix Networks Co. and completed internships with the Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade. Yoonie earned her Bachelor of Science in Electronic Engineering and a Master of Arts in International Relations from HanYang University in South Korea. She is fluent in English, Korean and Japanese. Yoonie is on the Board of Directors at the Korea Southeast U.S. Chamber of Commerce and a member of the Georgia Economic Developers Association.

Jae Kim
President
The Southeast U.S. Korean Chamber of Commerce
Jae Kim is President of the The Southeast U.S. Korean Chamber of Commerce, with responsibilities to lead the organization. Also, as Board Director, he has responsibilities to organize board meetings to drive promotion and development of the organization’s mission and objectives, including management of membership, events, and activities. He is Senior Manager at Aprio, LLP with 12 years of experience. He has expertise in bridging international relationships, with a focus on U.S.-Korea cross-border investments and economic ties. Prior to joining Aprio, LLP he had worked for Fortune 500 companies such as Deloitte, Roche, and Johnson & Johnson. He graduated with a Masters Science in Accounting from Indiana University, Kelley School of Business, and a B.S. in Business Administration – Accounting from Butler University, Lacy School of Business. Born in Seoul, South Korea, he lived and grew-up in Zimbabwe and South Africa for over 10 years as an Expat family as part of Daewoo Corporation.

Major General Lee KyungKoo
Defense Attaché
Embassy of the Republic of Korea
Major General Lee Kyung-koo is the Defense Attaché for Embassy of the Republic of Korea. As a Defense attaché, he is in charge of the overall affairs of the ROK office of Defense in the Embassy of the Republic of Korea. Major General Lee Kyung-koo was born in 1968 in South Korea and graduated from the Korea Military Academy in 1990. After graduation, he served as a commanding officer in various positions and regions, including platoon leader of the mechanized unit, company commander in the demilitarized zone (DMZ), battalion commander of the mechanized unit, and brigade commanding officer. He served as an administrative officer of the Army Chief of Staff, a deputy commanding officer of the JSA battalion Panmunjom, Action officer in charge of Russia policy division in MND and chief of policy planning division at the ROK Army headquarters when he was a Lieutenant Colonel. After being promoted to brigadier general in the fall of 2016, he served as a presidential security service, principal military advisor, 7th Army corps chief of staff, and deputy director general for international policy for 3 years from 2019 to 2021 in MND. During his tenure as deputy director general of international policy, he participated in the 10th and 11th Korea-U.S. defense cost-sharing negotiations as vice representative of the government negotiations. In 2021, Major General Lee, Kyung-koo directly led the operation of Oasis to transport the Navy Cheonghae Unit with COVID-19 in July and the Miracle Operation to transport 390 Afghans who contributed to Korea from Afghanistan. For his education, he completed the International Officers’ Advanced Course in Ft. Benning, Georgia, 1994 when he was a captain. He obtained a master’s degree in international relations from Norwich University, Vermont, 2007. Major General Lee was with the UN Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan in 2001-2002, and served as Lieutenant Colonel of Civil Military Cooperation at the Dongmyeong Unit in Lebanon in 2009. In addition, he was in charge of the UN PKO ministerial meeting held in Seoul in 2021. He was promoted to Major General in December 2021. He has a wife Jung Hee, daughter Minjoo, and son Kwan-woo.

Senator Jon Ossoff
U.S. Senator for Georgia
Born and raised in Atlanta, Senator Jon Ossoff is the senior United States Senator from Georgia. Since his election, Sen. Ossoff has delivered for communities in every part of Georgia, successfully building bipartisan relationships to achieve results even in a divided Congress and polarized national political environment. A strong partner for Georgia’s business community, Sen. Ossoff is working to grow the state’s logistics, automotive, aerospace, manufacturing, agricultural, and energy sectors. In his first months in office, Sen. Ossoff intervened in an international trade dispute that threatened one of the most significant economic projects in Georgia history, brokering a deal between two Korean industrial titans to save the $2.6 billion electric vehicle battery plant in Commerce, Georgia. Sen. Ossoff is a top leader in Washington working to strengthen U.S.-Korean relations, leading an economic delegation to South Korea last fall. He helped to secure Hyundai’s historic new automotive facility and helped create hundreds of new jobs in Northwest Georgia in domestic solar manufacturing. Sen. Ossoff helped confirm the United States’ Ambassador to South Korea and has held dozens of bilateral meetings with top Korean officials to strengthen diplomatic and economic ties. Before his election to the Senate, Sen. Ossoff led a company that exposed ISIS war crimes, atrocities committed by peacekeeping troops, human trafficking, fraud, theft, corruption, and murder as the CEO of a 30-year-old company that investigated official corruption, organized crime, and war crimes for international news organizations. Mentored by civil rights legend Congressman John Lewis, Sen. Ossoff previously worked as a national security aide in Congress and as an investigative journalist. The Senator and his team are here for you however we can help you.

Yoonjoo Park
Consul General
Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in Atlanta
Consul General Yoonjoo Park arrived in Atlanta in June 2021 to begin his current post. The Republic of Korea Consulate in Atlanta opened in 1976 and covers the states Georgia, Alabama, Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee and the commonwealth of Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Previously, Consul General Park held various positions such as Counsellor of the Korean Embassy in Iran, Director of North America Division Ⅱ, Deputy Consul-General of the Korean Consulate General in Boston, Counsellor of the Korean Embassy in Australia, Deputy Director-General for North American Affairs, and Director-General for Human Resources. He earned a bachelor’s degree in International Relations from Seoul National University in 1993 and a master’s degree in International Trade and Investment from George Washington University in 2002. He is married and has one son and one daughter.

William I. Sauser, Jr., PhD
Professor Emeritus of Management
Harbert College of Business at Auburn University
William I. Sauser, Jr., PhD is professor emeritus of management in the Harbert College of Business at Auburn University. Based in Auburn, Alabama, he is an award-winning consultant and trainer with over four decades of experience teaching practical yet research-based courses and workshops in leadership and human relations in the workplace. Dr. Sauser earned his BS in management and MS and PhD in industrial/organizational psychology at the Georgia Institute of Technology and an MA in business ethics from the University of Wales Trinity-Saint David. He is licensed to practice psychology in Alabama and holds two specialty diplomas from the American Board of Professional Psychology. Dr. Sauser’s interests include organizational development and change, strategic planning, human relations in the workplace, business ethics, and continuing professional education. He is a frequent consultant to public, private, and voluntary-sector organizations and has been awarded the 2003 Frederick W. Taylor Key by the Society for Advancement of Management, the 2012 Harbert College of Business Excellence in Outreach Award, and the 2013 External Consulting Award and 2014 Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award by Auburn University. He also received Auburn Author Awards in 2012, 2014, 2015, and 2016 for books he co-edited in the fields of human resources management and business ethics. Dr. Sauser is a former president of the Alabama Psychological Association, the Society for Advancement of Management, the Auburn University Chapter of the American Association of University Professors, and the Lee County (Alabama) Sunrise Rotary Club. He is also a past chair of the Alabama Board of Examiners in Psychology and the Auburn University Senate. He currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Greater Peace Community Development Corporation and the Auburn-Opelika Tourism Bureau. Over the past 40 years Dr. Sauser has offered more than a thousand programs and courses in leadership and human relations in the workplace to a variety of manufacturing, commercial, governmental, educational, and voluntary organizations in Alabama and Georgia. He takes pride in tailoring program content and delivery methods to the needs of the employees of each organization with which he interacts.

General (Ret.) Curtis M. Scaparotti
Senior Counselor
The Cohen Group
In 2019, General Curtis “Mike” Scaparrotti completed a distinguished 41-year career in the US Army as the Commander, US European Command and Supreme Allied Commander Europe, NATO. As the NATO Commander, General Scaparrotti worked to preserve the security and stability of the Alliance and strengthen it in the face of traditional and new-age adversaries. He collaborated with the leadership of all 29 NATO member nations, as well as the various NATO partner countries around the world. Prior to General Scaparrotti’s leadership position at NATO and US European Command, General Scaparrotti served as the Commander of US Forces Korea / United Nations Command / Combined Forces Command in Seoul, South Korea from 2013 to 2016. He has also served as the Director of the Joint Staff, Commander of the International Security Assistance Force, the Deputy Commander of US Forces – Afghanistan, the Commanding General of I Corps and Joint Base Lewis-McChord, and the Commanding General of the 82nd Airborne Division. Additionally, over the years, General Scaparrotti served in key leadership positions at the tactical, operational, and strategic level of the United States military. These positions have included Director of Operations at US Central Command, and the 69th Commandant of Cadets at the US Military Academy at West Point. He has commanded forces during Operations Iraqi Freedom, Enduring Freedom (Afghanistan), Support Hope (Zaire/Rwanda), Joint Endeavor (Bosnia-Herzegovina), and Assured Response (Liberia). General Scaparrotti’s awards and decorations include the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, the Distinguished Service Medal, the Defense Superior Service Medal, the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star, and the Army Meritorious Service Medal. Additionally, he has earned the Combat Action Badge, the Expert Infantryman Badge, the Master Parachutist Badge, and the Ranger Tab. General Scaparrotti graduated from the US Military Academy at West Point in 1978. His military education includes the Infantry Officer Basic and Advanced Courses, Command and General Staff College, and the US Army War College. Additionally, General Scaparrotti holds a Master’s degree in Administrative Education from the University of South Carolina. In addition to his work with The Cohen Group, General Scaparrotti is a member of the Board of Directors of the Atlantic Council, a member of the Advisory Board of the Patriot Foundation, a Senior Fellow at the National Defense University, a member of the Advisory Board of the Spirit of America, and member of the Board of Directors of the Korea Defense Veterans Association.

Ambassador (Ret.) Charles Shapiro
Moderator
Charles Shapiro was the former U.S. ambassador to Venezuela (2002 – 2004), and also served as president of the Institute of the Americas and president of the World Affairs Council of Atlanta. In his 34-year career at the US Department of State, Shapiro was posted in Denmark, El Salvador, Trinidad and Tobago, Chile, and Venezuela. In Washington he served in a number of capacities, including as Acting Assistant Secretary for the Western Hemisphere and Coordinator for Cuban Affairs. In 2001, President Bush awarded him the Presidential Meritorious Service Award.

Scott Walker
Director, Office of Korean Affairs
U.S. Department of State
Scott Walker is currently the Director of the Office of Korean and Mongolian Affairs and he has served in that capacity since 2021. Previously, Mr. Walker served as the Spokesperson at the U.S. Embassy in Beijing; as the Public Affairs Officer at the Consulate General in Toronto; as the Press Officer at the Consulate General in Shanghai; and as a consular officer at U.S. Embassy Seoul. In Washington, he has been a Pearson Fellow on Capitol Hill; the Republic of Korea unit chief in the Office of Korean Affairs; and the embedded Public Diplomacy officer, also at the Korea Desk. He has a BA from UC Santa Cruz and an MA from San Francisco State.

Pat Wilson
Commissioner
Georgia Department of Economic Development
Pat Wilson was appointed Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) in November 2016. As Commissioner, he leads the state agency responsible for creating jobs and investment opportunities in Georgia through business recruitment and expansion, small business growth, international trade and tourism, as well as the arts, film and music industries. Pat is responsible for leading the GDEcD team in planning and mobilizing state resources for economic development. Under Governor Brian P. Kemp and Commissioner Wilson’s leadership, Georgia has been named the No. 1 state in the nation in which to do business for the eighth consecutive year in a row by both Site Selection and Area Development. GDEcD was also rated as the nation’s best state-level economic development organization by the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) in 2017. Mr. Wilson previously served as Chief Operating Officer of GDEcD from January 2011 until his appointment as Commissioner by former Governor Nathan Deal. As COO, he managed the daily operations of the agency, directed long-term strategy, managed the agency’s legislative priorities and served as the department’s liaison with the Georgia Congressional delegation and federal government partners. In addition, Pat served as Executive Director of the Georgia Allies. Mr. Wilson joined GDEcD as Deputy Commissioner for Global Commerce in 2010. Prior to that, he served on the staff of Governor Sonny Perdue as the director of government affairs, promoting the Governor’s legislative agenda at the State Capitol and managing federal affairs for the state of Georgia. He previously served as director of federal affairs for the state, opening the Washington, D.C., office in 2005. There, he promoted the state’s agenda with the U.S. Congress and federal agencies as the Governor’s representative to the Georgia congressional delegation. Before joining state government, Mr. Wilson was director of governmental affairs for Greenberg Traurig, LLP, in Washington. He served under the late Senator Paul Coverdell and under then-Representative Nathan Deal. He is a Franklin Springs, Georgia, native, and holds an undergraduate degree in political science with a focus on international relations from the University of Georgia. He and his wife Melissa and their two children, Padgett and Carter, reside in Sandy Springs.
To learn about the different sponsorship levels and benefits that are available to support this initiative, please read the information below. You can reference the “Supporters” tab to see who is already supporting this event. To inquire about sponsorship opportunities, please contact Irene Kyoung.
Sponsorship Recognition Opportunities & Privileges
DIAMOND SPONSOR: $20,000
• Recognition as a Diamond Sponsor during the program for the in-person audience as well as the YouTube video recording and podcast disseminated through Apple, Google Play, and Spotify
• Opportunity for welcome remarks by a company representative
• Invitation to participate in the panel
• A reserved seat at the Head Table for a representative at lunch program
• Two (2) tables of 10 seats with premium placement
• One promotional table for advertisement
• Acknowledgement by level on the website, event program book, social media, and promotional emails
• Acknowledgement in our Annual Report
• Company logo prominently highlighted on the large screen aside the stage in the event room
PLATINUM SPONSOR: $10,000
• Recognition as a Platinum Sponsor during the program for the in-person audience as well as the YouTube video recording and podcast disseminated through Apple, Google Play, and Spotify
• Invitation to participate in the panel
• One table of 10 seats with prominent placement
• One promotional table for advertisement
• Acknowledgement by level on the website, event program book, social media, and promotional emails
• Acknowledgement in our Annual Report
• Company logo prominently highlighted on the large screen aside the stage in the event room
GOLD SPONSOR: $5,000
• Recognition as a Gold Sponsor during the program for the in-person audience
• Half page ad on event program
• A half table of 5 seats with preferred placement
• One promotional table for advertisement
• One promotional table for advertisement
• Acknowledgement in our Annual Report
• Acknowledgement by level on the website, event program book, social media, and promotional emails
• Acknowledgement in our Annual Report
• Company logo highlighted on the large screen aside the stage in the event room
SILVER SPONSOR: $2,500
• Acknowledgement by level on the website, event program book, social media, and promotional emails
• Acknowledgement in our Annual Report
• 3 complimentary seats
• Acknowledgement in our Annual Report
• Company logo highlighted on the large screen aside the stage in the event room
BRONZE SPONSOR: $1,000
• Acknowledgement by level on the website, event program book
• 2 complimentary seats
• Acknowledgement in our Annual Report
• Company logo highlighted on the large screen aside the stage in the event room
Additional Sponsorship Opportunities:
Available based on discussion – such as coffee or drinks at reception packages or promotional items arrangements made in advance of planning and coordination for the event.
The Korea Society is a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) organization. Contributions are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law
PLATINUM SPONSOR
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| SK |
GOLD SPONSOR
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| Aprio |
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| Auburn |
| Official Airline Sponsor |
| Delta Air Lines | Korean Air |
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| Georgia Department of Economic Development |
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| POSCO |
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| Wells Fargo |
SILVER SPONSOR
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| LS | SUPERIOR ESSEX |
BRONZE SPONSOR
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| Hanwha Q cells |
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| NFP |
We express our gratitude to the following organizations for sharing in our vision of advancing U.S.-Korea relations and helping to spread the word about the conference.