Donate
Join

Author: admin

Author Talks: Kim Eui-Kyung

Posted on by admin

In her absorbing and candid novel Hello Baby, Kim Eui Kyung explores what women endure to become mothers. The novel features six women in their thirties and forties who strike up a friendship at a fertility clinic in Seoul and share their personal paths to motherhood via a group chat they name “Hello Baby.” Switching between the six characters—a journalist, a police officer, a vet, a lawyer, and two housewives—this thought-provoking novel explores the social pressure and emotional strain on women struggling to conceive. Written with insight, humor, and great empathy, Hello Baby is a moving portrait of what it means to be a woman today and the lengths some will go to seek motherhood.

In this episode of Author Talks, Kim Eui-Kyung discusses her novel, translated into English by Sora Kim-Russell.

About the Author

Author

Kim Eui-kyung

Kim Eui-kyung is a novelist and essayist. Her debut novel, Youth Bankruptcy (2014) won the Korea Economic Daily Youth Literary Contest, and her second novel Call Center was awarded the 6th Soorim Literary Prize. She also published the story collection Showroom, set against the backdrop of IKEA, and the essay collection The Season Called Life. Her latest novel Hello Baby is a groundbreaking work of Korean feminist fiction about a group of women undergoing IVF at a fertility clinic in Seoul.

Leesle: Korean Chic

Posted on by admin

Leesle Hwang has built a distinctive fashion universe by reinterpreting Korean heritage through a modern lens. Her philosophy is rooted in the belief that “fashion comes to life not in a museum, but on the street.” Determined to transform time-honored traditions into living, breathing style, she reconstructs hanbok silhouettes, signature details, and unique textiles with contemporary materials, creating designs that are both distinctive and accessible. This vision has cultivated a devoted global following, positioning her as a pioneering voice in the emerging fashion genre of “Korean Chic” at a time when global interest in K-culture is at an all-time high.

In a conversation with The Korea Society, Leesle discusses her brand and design philosophy.



2026 Armistice Day Commemorative Reception

Posted on by admin

Program Brief

2026 Armistice Day Reception

In a reception commemorating the 73rd anniversary of the Korean War Armistice Agreement and celebrating the U.S.-ROK alliance, The Korea Society, in collaboration with the Korea Defense Veterans Association (KDVA) New York City Metro Area Chapter and the Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in New York, brought together veterans, policy leaders, and alliance supporters to honor the service and sacrifice of U.S. and Republic of Korea veterans.

The commemoration emphasized that the U.S.-ROK alliance extends far beyond diplomatic agreements, having been forged through shared sacrifice in the mud, snow, and blood of the battlefield. This relationship was historically exemplified by the partnership between Eighth Army Commander General James Van Fleet and General Paik Sun-yup, whose mutual respect laid the tactical and structural foundation for the modern Republic of Korea Army. As highlighted throughout the evening, the loss of thousands of American and Korean soldiers, including General Van Fleet’s own son, created an unbreakable bond.

Marking the anniversary of the Armistice Agreement signed on July 27, 1953, the evening reception provided an opportunity for reflection on the alliance’s historic achievements while reaffirming a shared commitment to its future.

This program was made possible by the generous support of the Korea Foundation, KDVA, the Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in New York, and The Korea Society’s individual and corporate members.

The program was covered by Voice of America. A video is available to view here. 

Event Date: Thursday, July 23, 2026

Host Organizations: The Korea Society, in collaboration with the Korea Defense Veterans Association (KDVA) New York City Metro Area Chapter and the Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in New York

Speakers:

• Consul General Sangho Kim, Republic of Korea in New York

• Brigadier General (Ret.) Chris Stockel, President, KDVA New York City Metro Area Chapter

• Korean War Veteran Mr. Jack Foley

• Moderated by Jonathan Corrado, Policy Director, The Korea Society

Key Takeaways

1. Peace Through Security and the Evolution of the Armistice

Consul General Sangho Kim framed the 1953 Armistice not as a permanent resolution, but as a provisional pause that granted South Korea the essential time required to rebuild from the ashes of war into a global democracy and economic powerhouse. While seven decades under a temporary ceasefire has carried immense economic burdens and persistent fears of renewed conflict, he argued that the responsibility of the present generation is to leverage the U.S.–ROK alliance, robust deterrence, and steady diplomacy to transition from mere containment toward a lasting treaty that permanently eliminates the fear of war on the Korean Peninsula.

2. The Frontline Reality and the Enduring Human Legacy of Combat

Korean War Marine veteran Jack Foley offered a grounded, personal perspective on the human cost and living legacy of the Korean War, recounting his 1951 deployment with the 1st Battalion, 5th Marines. Foley detailed the immediate, exhausting transition to frontline mountain combat, where troops endured months of constant vigilance without permanent shelter, paved roads, or basic amenities like clean uniforms. Beyond his battlefield service, Foley highlighted the profound personal bonds formed in the decades following the war. Serving in the New York City Police Department during the 1960s, his encounters with Korean immigrants routinely transformed into immediate, deep friendships rooted in mutual respect for his service which culminated in his upcoming official revisit to South Korea.

3. Preserving Memory and Mobilizing Modern Partnerships

Reflecting on the modern responsibilities of both nations, speakers from The Korea Society and KDVA framed veteran sacrifice as an ongoing “debt of duty” rather than a simple historical memory. General Chris Stockel and Korea Society Policy Director Jonathan Corrado noted that a strong US-ROK alliance remains essential for guaranteeing regional stability and economic growth in Northeast Asia. Honorably fulfilling the mission of Korean War veterans requires continuous, active coalition-building across government, veteran organizations, and civil society in both the United States and South Korea to ensure that historical courage continues to secure lasting peace and prosperity.

 

Korea Defense Veterans Association

Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in New York

About the Speakers

Speaker

Sangho Kim

Consul General Sangho Kimof the Republic of Korea in New York. Consul-General Kim Sang Ho serves as the Consul-General of the Korean Consulate General in New York, a position he assumed in April 2026. Prior to his diplomatic appointment in New York, Consul-General Kim was actively involved in civic and national organizations, serving as a Board Member for the Citizen’s Coalition for Urban Future from 2024 to 2026 and as the Director General of the External Cooperation Bureau for the National Council for People’s Sovereignty from 2024 to 2025. From 2018 to 2022, he served as the Mayor of Hanam City in Gyeonggi Province. He served as the Vice Chair of the Policy Committee at the Central Headquarters of the Democratic Party of Korea from 2017 to 2018, which followed an eight-year tenure as an Advisor to a Member of the National Assembly for the Democratic Party of Korea from 2008 to 2016.

Speaker

Chris Stockel

Brigadier General (Ret.) Chris Stockel currently serves as the Korea Defense Veterans Association New York City Metro Chapter president. He is also the vice president of the Civil Affairs Association, senior U.S. civil military operations (CMO) advisor to the Korea Battle Simulation Center (KBSC). He commanded infantry, special forces, and civil affairs units, culminating at the one-star level as commanding general (CG) of the 351st Civil Affairs Command (CACOM) in Mountain View, CA and as the acting Combined Forces Command (CFC) C9 (civil affairs), Korea. As CG of the 351st, he was responsible for nearly all civil affairs operations in the INDO-PACIFIC. Previous to this, he was deputy commanding general, U.S. Army Civil Affairs & Psychological Operations Command (Airborne) and chief of staff (COS) of the 352nd CACOM. Before this, he was the commander of the civil military operations center (CMOC) and deputy COS strategic effects Operational Command Post (OCP) Third Army/ARCENT, Kuwait. He deployed twice to Iraq – once as a CA officer and later as the PAO for CJSOTF-AP. Other assignments included interagency duty with State counter-terrorism at Main State in the CT bureau, formerly S/CT, a joint assignment with USSOCOM, and Special Operations USEUCOM (SOCEUR). His training assignments, tours, and deployment postings included numerous European, Asian, Central American, Caribbean, East African, and Middle Eastern countries (including Egypt, Iraq, UAE, Jordan, Bahrain, Qatar, Lebanon, and Kuwait). He spoke at the Council on Foreign Relations focused on China, at AUSA LANPAC in Hawaii on HADR, and testified about Iraq before Congress to the House committee on State and Foreign Operations. Stockel earned a BA in Mathematics/Computer Science with a minor in German from Trenton State College including a year abroad at the Goethe University Frankfurt am Main, Germany and a Master’s Strategic Studies from the U.S. Army War College. He is a life member of the Council of Foreign Relations. While in uniform he held DoD language ratings in German, Arabic, and Spanish. He is ranger and special forces qualified. His numerous awards and decorations include the Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, German Parachute Badge, Latvian Special Forces Parachute Badge, Indonesian Parachute Badge, and Cote d’Ivoire Parachute Badge.

Speaker

Jack Foley

Jack Foley enlisted in the United States Marine Corps following his graduation from high school in March 1951 at the age of 17. Jack completed recruit training at Parris Island before being transferred to Camp Pendleton in California for advanced infantry instruction. The training included rigorous Mountain Warfare exercises in the Sierra Nevada Mountains in preparation for deployment to Korea. Upon his return home in late November 1952, he was promoted to the rank of Marine Sergeant in the USMC and assigned to the 2nd Marine Division at Camp LeJeune, NC serving with the Weapons Company, 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment. In May 1953, Jack was reassigned to Marine Corps Base Quantico, VA where he served as a Weapons instructor at the Officer Candidate School. Following this assignment, he returned to Camp LeJeune where he completed his service and was honorably discharged.

After Jack’s honorable discharge from active duty in 1955, he was accepted into the New York City Police Department where he began his career in law enforcement. Concurrently, he rejoined the Marine Corps as a reservist, ultimately serving a total of 25 years and retiring with the rank of Master Sergeant. During that time, he participated in specialized training programs including Desert Warfare training in the Mojave Desert, Jungle Warfare School in Panama, and Cold Weather training in Norway. In 1990, Jack continued his commitment to public service by joining the Lee County Sheriff’s Office in Fort Myers, Florida. He served proudly as a Deputy Sheriff and later retired with the rank of Police Sergeant.

Critical Comparison: Sanctions on North Korea vs. Iran

Posted on by admin

Program Brief

Critical Comparisons: Sanctions on North Korea vs. Iran

In a discussion on the implementation and efficacy of international sanctions, Dr. Jonathan Brewer, Visiting Professor at King’s College London and former Acting Coordinator of the UN Panel of Experts on North Korea, offered a nuanced comparative analysis of two of the world’s most complex sanctions regimes. Drawing on his unique experience as both a financial expert on the UN Panel on Iran and coordinator overseeing North Korea sanctions enforcement, Dr. Brewer examined why sanctions have succeeded in some contexts while failing to achieve their ultimate objectives in others.

This program was made possible by the generous support of the Korea Foundation and The Korea Society’s individual and corporate members.

Event Date: Wednesday, June 17, 2026

Host Organizations: The Korea Society

Speakers:

• Jonathan Brewer, Visiting Professor, King’s College, London; former Acting Coordinator, UN Panel of Experts on North Korea; financial expert, UN Panel on Iran

• In conversation with Jonathan Corrado, Policy Director, The Korea Society

Key Takeaways

1. Why Sanctions Failed on North Korea but Showed Promise with Iran

Dr. Brewer argued that sanctions did not uniformly fail; rather, they produced different outcomes based on implementation, context, and strategic timing. For Iran, Security Council sanctions, particularly financial restrictions, contributed to bringing the state to the negotiating table and eventually to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). What made Iran sanctions effective was sustained US financial pressure that isolated Iranian banks from the dollar system, creating genuine economic costs. In contrast, North Korea sanctions have proven ineffective, but not because sanctions as a concept are flawed, Dr. Brewer argued. Multiple factors explain the divergence: sanctions were imposed after North Korea had already detonated a nuclear device and established core infrastructure, suggesting the intervention came too late. Sanctions were also applied incrementally over years, giving North Korea time to develop sophisticated evasion networks and procurement methods. Lastly, North Korea’s borders with China and Russia have created loopholes that undermine the effectiveness of sanctions, which is further compounded by inconsistent enforcement by both countries.

2. The Paradox of Panel Expertise: Information as an Essential Tool

In contemporary sanctions enforcement, Dr. Brewer highlighted that the absence of credible, independent monitoring bodies has presented a critical vulnerability. In particular, the mandate of the UN’s Panel of Experts on North Korea sanctions has ended and the Panel of Experts on Iranian sanctions cannot function normally. The consequence is that UN member states, which are obligated to implement Security Council sanctions, lack validated and impartial intelligence on sanction circumvention activities conducted by North Korea and Iran. This information gap directly undermines implementation effectiveness. Dr. Brewer also emphasized that the panels’ greatest asset was credibility. As reports were negotiated by consensus among the P5 and rotating members, they held unassailable validity that enabled states to justify compliance to domestic stakeholders. Without this institutional mechanism, sanctions are at risk of becoming performative rather than policy.

3. The Mechanics of Proliferation Finance and Emerging Sanctions Evasion Technologies

Dr. Brewer broke down weapons proliferation financing into three discrete stages: fundraising, disguising the funds, and procurement. North Korea has moved decisively into cryptocurrency theft and alternative financial pathways, stealing billions in digital assets that bypass traditional banking infrastructure. As sanctioned states become more sophisticated at exploiting cryptocurrency and as alternative payment systems mature, the foundation of modern financial sanctions, the dollar standard, faces gradual erosion. Dr. Brewer emphasized that this reality demands a multi-faceted response: stronger private sector compliance frameworks, enhanced blockchain analytics capabilities for tracing digital assets, and deeper coordination among export control regimes (Nuclear Suppliers Group, Missile Technology Control Regime) to address the procurement leg of the financing chain. Iran has not extensively pursued this cyber-based evasion approach, though the recent tentative US-Iran agreement may shift Iran’s strategy.

4. The Geopolitical Collapse of the Multilateral Sanctions Architecture

Dr. Brewer addressed a fundamental shift in the international landscape: the emergence of what observers call an “axis of sanctioned states.” Russia’s veto of the North Korea panel renewal, China’s increasing reluctance to enforce sanctions on Pyongyang, and growing military-technological cooperation among North Korea, Iran, and Russia represent a qualitative change in the viability of Security Council-based enforcement. This geopolitical realignment does not invalidate sanctions as a tool, but it does require creative adaptation. Dr. Brewer proposed building “communities of interest” among coalition partners willing to coordinate unilateral and multilateral sanctions. Deeper coordination among the US, South Korea, EU, Canada, UK, and Japan, combined with engagement of the private sector, financial institutions, and academic expertise, could partially substitute for a dysfunctional Security Council.

About the Speaker

Speaker

Dr. Jonathan Brewer

Dr. Jonathan Brewer is a Visiting Professor at King’s College, London, carrying out research with the Alpha Project on questions of proliferation and the financing of proliferation. Based in New York, Dr. Brewer currently conducts research about UN Security Council and unilateral sanctions requirements, their implementation and circumvention, Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) proliferation programmes, and Financing of WMD proliferation, including Financial Action Task Force (FATF) requirements. Dr. Brewer is former Acting Coordinator of the UN Panel of Experts on North Korea (DPRK), Coordinator of the UN 1540 Group of Experts, and financial expert of the UN Panel on Iran. Brewer was a member of the UK Diplomatic Service between 1983 and 2010. Duties included substantive postings overseas to Luanda (1986–88), Mexico City (1991–95) and Moscow (1998–2001) and a secondment to the Joint Intelligence Committee, Cabinet Office, London (2003–2004). He was Head of Counter-Proliferation 2005–2010. He graduated from Oxford University with a First Class Honours degree, and holds a PhD in geophysics from Cornell University.

2026 Emerging Design Competition Final Pitch

Posted on by admin

 

The Korea Society invites you to the final pitching competition of Startup Scene: Emerging Design Competition — the most aspiring moment of Startup Scene: Entrepreneurs of Tomorrow, a program initiative dedicated to empowering the next generation of entrepreneurs across the US and South Korean startup ecosystems.

Come witness firsthand the creativity and drive of the next generation of Korean and Korean-American founders. After a half-year journey — from initial ideation to mentorship — our finalists are now one step away from taking home prizes of $5,000, $3,000, and $1,000. Each finalist will deliver a live pitch followed by a Q&A with the judging panel, showcasing ideas at the intersection of technology, design, and social impact that may very well shape tomorrow’s economy.

For any questions, please contact us at startupscene@koreasociety.org.

 

This program is proudly and exclusively supported by Hanwha Life



 


Finalists

 

 

2026 EMERGING DESIGN COMPETITION FINALISTS

We are excited to announce the finalists of the 2026 Emerging Design Competition:


Cuddles
Emory University
A screen-free AI plush companion that helps children build emotional and language skills while giving parents actionable insights to deepen their family connection

 


FOODIE
Iowa State University
A gamified fridge manager that notifies you 48 hours before your food expires

 


MyHearo
New York University/ School of Visual Arts
An AI agent for deaf and hard-of-hearing users that understands sound and context to support everyday awareness and action

 


SORVY
Washington State University/Arizona State University
Turning starfish waste into a self-regulating aquarium water cartridge

New Thinking on Korea’s
Aging, Shrinking Society

Posted on by admin

Program Brief

New Thinking on Korea’s Aging, Shrinking Society

In a discussion on South Korea’s low birth rate and aging society, Professor Youngtae Cho, Director of the Population Policy Research Center (PPRC) at Seoul National University, challenged conventional narratives surrounding South Korea’s demographic decline. Rather than viewing a shrinking population as a critical crisis, Professor Cho reframed it as a unique window of opportunity to strategically build a more sustainable and resilient future.

This program was made possible by the generous support of the Korea Foundation and our individual and corporate members.

Event Date: Wednesday, June 10, 2026

Host Organizations: The Korea Society

Speakers:

• Youngtae Cho, Director, Population Policy Research Center; Professor of Demography, School of Public Health, Seoul National University

• Moderated by Jonathan Corrado, Policy Director, The Korea Society

Key Takeaways

1. Hypercentralization in Seoul as a Fundamental Driver of Low Fertility

From an evolutionary perspective, Dr. Cho explained that when competition for resources becomes unsustainably intense, an organism’s instinct for individual survival overrides its instinct for reproduction. In South Korea, this survival trigger is directly tied to hypercentralization. More than 50 percent of the national population is concentrated in the Seoul metropolitan area, where economic opportunities are clustered. Coupled with the fact that 77 percent of 30-year-olds hold a college degree—the highest in the world—metropolitan areas have become dense, high-pressure environments where young people face a brutal daily battle for survival, leaving them with no financial or psychological capacity to marry or have children.

2. Quality Over Quantity

Dr. Cho refuted Elon Musk’s claim that South Korea’s low fertility rate would allow North Korea to easily invade by simply “walking across” the DMZ within three generations. He revealed through recent demographic simulations that North Korea’s population is facing its own severe, unmanaged decline; its annual births sit around 220,000 to 230,000, roughly equal to South Korea’s 250,000 births last year. Furthermore, Dr. Cho argued that assessing a nation’s future strictly by headcount is reductionist. South Korea’s historic post-war transformation into a global economic powerhouse was driven by massive leaps in individual human capability and resilience, qualities that numbers alone cannot capture. Dr. Cho encouraged a perspective that looks beyond the population number to additionally consider “APC,” which means age, period, and cohort.

3. The Extreme Reality of Social Aging and Shifting Median Age

Dr. Cho emphasized that a shifting age structure fundamentally transforms a nation into an entirely different world, an evolution best captured by the relentless rise of South Korea’s median age. Historically, this metric dictated the baseline for cultural maturity; in 1994, the median age was a youthful 29, meaning that turning 30 marked a sudden, high-pressure threshold into full adult responsibility. Today, that midpoint has skyrocketed to 46 and by 2054, the median age in Korea will be around 60 years old. This unprecedented shift means institutions, legal frameworks, and economic systems must be completely reinvented to function in a society where the statistical average age shifts substantially.

4. Demographic Solutions for Corporate Talent Pipelines

Dr. Cho asserted that treating population decline as an automatic economic death sentence is a mistake. By looking at demographics through the multi-dimensional “APC” lens (Age, Period, Cohort), businesses can uncover massive expanding global markets and pivot their strategies. In a notable case study, one company faced high resignation rates among its newly recruited elite workforce despite offering top-tier salaries and welfare benefits. Dr. Cho’s research identified a distinct demographic mismatch: 49% of Koreans born in 1990 and 51% born after 2003 are Seoul natives, thus structurally addicted to the capital’s infrastructure. Forcing them to work consecutive years at regional plants hours away created an exhausting, unsustainable weekend travel loop. Acting on Dr. Cho’s advice, the company introduced a bi-weekly 4-day work week in 2024, reversing attrition rates among their young talent.

About the Speaker

Speaker

Dr. Youngtae Cho

Dr. Youngtae Cho is a professor of demography at the Graduate School of Public Health, Seoul National University, and director of the SNU Population Policy Research Center. He received his Ph.D. in sociology (specialized in demography) from the University of Texas at Austin in 2002. His research focuses on fertility transitions, demographic change, and their impacts on social and economic structures in East and Southeast Asia. He is the author of several books for general public and has played a leading role in enhancing population literacy in Korea. Through media, public speaking, and policy consultation, Cho reframes demographic shifts not as crises, but tools for building a more sustainable and proactive future.

Okdongsik

Posted on by admin

With a philosophy rooted in simplicity, precision, and balance, Chef Dongsik Ok has reframed traditional Korean comfort food through a minimalist and modern lens. His eponymous restaurant Okdongsik’s signature dish is an elegant yet deeply comforting pork broth, dwaeji gomtang.

Since its launch in Seoul’s Seogyo-dong neighborhood in 2017, Okdongsik has earned critical acclaim and recognition with the Michelin Guide Bib Gourmand distinction for eight consecutive years, establishing it as one of Seoul’s premier dining spots. Now an international brand, Okdongsik has expanded its presence beyond Seoul with locations in New York (Manhattan and Bayside), Honolulu, Tokyo, and Paris. The brand’s ongoing growth focuses on small, highly curated spaces that prioritize consistency, quality, and operational discipline, and the chef’s commitment and dedication is transforming Korean soul food into a globally recognized culinary category.

In his conversation with Vivian Lee, Chef Dongsik Ok shares his insights on his career, food philosophy, and the restaurant industry.

In this talk, Kim explores the recent popularity of Korean food in New York City by focusing on both transnational and domestic factors, leading to the new trend of commercialization of ethnic food, emphasis on authenticity, and rise of the omnivore society, by delivering the voices of ordinary people. While Koreatown’s authenticity has been largely defined by commercialized ethnic cuisine by local entrepreneurs, the Korean government, and franchises, Kim argues that Koreatown’s authenticity has represented the collective imaginations and narratives of various consumer groups–Korean nationals, Korean Americans, and non-Koreans.

About the Speaker

Speaker

Chef Dongsik Ok

Chef Dongsik Ok is the founder and owner chef of Okdongsik. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Culinary Science from Kyung Hee University and opened the first Okdongsik restaurant in Seoul’s Seogyo-dong neighborhood in 2017. The restaurant quickly gained critical acclaim and has been awarded the Michelin Guide Bib Gourmand distinction for eight consecutive years, establishing it as one of Seoul’s most respected dining destinations. Since entering the U.S. market, Okdongsik has grown into an international presence, with locations in New York (Manhattan and Bayside), Honolulu, Tokyo, and Paris. Chef Dongsik Ok gained broader international recognition following his appearance on Netflix’s Culinary Class Wars 2 (2025), where his culinary philosophy and signature dishes were introduced to a global audience.



About the Moderator

Moderator

Vivian Lee Ok

Vivian Lee is an Emmy-winning TV journalist, public speaker, moderator and director/producer in New York. Currently a correspondent for the magazine show Asian American Life. CUNY-TV, Vivian garnered her third Emmy nomination this year for producing and hosting CUNY-TV’s special on the 70th anniversary of the Korean War armistice. She also co-hosts the podcast The 5 Of Us, which examines career and life issues affecting women at work. Vivian anchored, reported and hosted for NY1 Spectrum News between 2008 and 2020, covering stories of national and international importance, including the pandemic, social justice protests, and the 2020 general election. Vivian also hosted Spotlight New York, a weekly magazine show exploring the arts landscape of the five boroughs of NYC. She was awarded an Emmy in 2020 for her story on Manhattan’s iconic Joe’s Pub.

Closing the Korea Discount:

Posted on by admin

The Korea Society and the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA) are pleased to present a timely discussion on South Korea’s capital market reforms. South Korea is undertaking its most ambitious capital market reform in years—an agenda to strengthen corporate governance, expand investor protections, and unlock deeper access to global capital. What does this moment mean for international investors, and what will it take to finally close the Korea discount?

Join Namuh Rhee, Chairman of the Korean Corporate Governance Forum and a leading voice behind Korea’s reform movement, for a keynote address, followed by a cross-border conversation with senior representatives from the Bank of Korea and two leading U.S. investment professionals on where the reforms stand, how Korea’s macro landscape is reshaping its appeal, and what global capital needs to see next.

Opening Remarks

Rak-gon Kim, Director General of KOTRA New York

Keynote Speaker 

Namuh Rhee, Chairman, Korea Corporate Governance Forum; Visiting Professor, Yonsei University

Panelists 

Young Woong Hwang Head, Money Market Team, Bank of Korea

Chiara Salghini Portfolio Manager, Senior Research Analyst, Vontobel

Jae Hyun Yoo Director, International Finance Division, Bank of Korea

A senior executive at a major Wall Street bank’s private investing arm

Moderated by Mark Kim President, Korea Finance Society

Brought together with
Contact image

About the Speakers

Young Woong Hwang
Head, Money Market Team, The Bank of Korea
Young Woon Hwang joined the Bank of Korea in 2003 and has since worked in the Monetary Policy Department, Financial Markets Department, Research Department, and Financial Stability Department, engaging in monetary policy as well as financial stability–related affairs.

Young Woong graduated with a BA in Economics from Korea University.

Mark Kim
Director at Anchorage Capital Advisors
Mark Kim is a Director at Anchorage Capital Advisors, a credit-oriented investment firm based in New York. At Anchorage, Mark is responsible for corporate credit investing across the capital structure, as well as business development and investor relations for Korea.

Before joining Anchorage, he worked at TPG Sixth Street Partners and started his career in the investment banking division at Bank of America Merrill Lynch in New York.

Mark serves as President of Korea Finance Society and received the Finance Excellence Award from the Korean Ministry of Economy and Finance for his contributions to the organization.

Mark holds a Bachelor of Science in Applied Mathematics from Columbia University.

Rakgon Kim
Director-General of KOTRA New York
Rakgon Kim is the Director-General of KOTRA New York, appointed in 2025. With nearly 30 years of experience at the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA), he is a seasoned expert in global trade, export support, and strategic management.

Mr. Kim has held diverse leadership roles across KOTRA’s international network, previously serving as Director-General in Chicago (2023–2025) and Doha, and as Director in Auckland. At KOTRA headquarters, he led the Export Support and Human Resources Development teams and held multiple strategic positions within the Office of the President. He remains dedicated to strengthening economic ties between Korea and the global market through his extensive expertise in international trade.

Namuh Rhee
Chairman of the Korean Corporate Governance Forum
As Chairman of the Korean Corporate Governance Forum, Namuh Rhee is at the forefront of efforts to elevate corporate governance standards across the country, bringing nearly four decades of experience across Asia’s leading financial institutions. He has held senior leadership roles at Samsung Securities, Bank of America Merrill Lynch, and Nomura International, spanning Seoul, Hong Kong, and Singapore. Throughout his career he built a distinguished reputation as one of the foremost authorities on Korean equities.

His corporate governance credentials are underpinned by extensive board experience spanning financial services, media, start-up and chaebols, having served as a non-executive board member of BNK Financial Holdings, SBS, Hansol Holdings, Mando China Holdings, Korea Investment Trust, ABLBio, and Citibank Korea. Earlier in his career, he was appointed to the Finance Industry Development Review Committee of Korea’s Ministry of Finance and Economy, one of the government’s most senior advisory bodies. He holds an MBA from the University of Chicago and a BA in Economics from Seoul National University.

Chiara Salghini joined Vontobel in November 2023. She is Deputy Portfolio Manager and Senior Research Analyst within the Quality Growth boutique. In this role, she works as a generalist, focusing on emerging markets and researching investment opportunities with a particular emphasis on Latin America, Asia, and the EMEA region (Europe, Middle East and Africa).

Before joining Vontobel, from 2019 to 2023, she was a research analyst at Stone Forest Capital, where she focused on emerging-market equities. Prior to that, she covered emerging-market and international equities at Federated Hermes. Her previous experience in the finance industry includes working as an investment banker at Barclays in London and New York, and as a credit analyst at Moody’s. She started her career in 2005 at UBS in London as an investment banking analyst in the Mergers & Acquisitions department.

Chiara holds an MBA in Finance from The Wharton School, an MPA in International Economics and Public Policy from Harvard University, as well as degrees from The London School of Economics and Bocconi University.

Jae Hyun Yoo
Director, International Finance Division The Bank of Korea
Jae Hyun Yoo is Director of International Finance Division in The Bank of Korea. He has more than 25 years’ experience of working in a number of different roles associated with FX and financial markets department in the BOK. He has been deeply involved in the establishment and operation of Korea’s foreign exchange policies and regulations. He also served as a policy advisor to a member of the BOK’s Monetary Policy Committee from 2016~2018.

Jae Hyun graduated with a BA in Economics from Seoul National University.

Economic Outlook
Through a Glass, Darkly

Posted on by admin

The New York Korean Financial Forum was held on May 28, 2026 at The Korea Society, in partnership with Korea Investment Corporation (KIC) and the Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in New York, to discuss the current U.S. labor market and global economic outlook.

Michael S. Hanson, Senior Economist at J.P. Morgan Global Economic Research, presented a data-driven analysis of a labor market showing signs of stabilization amid persistent inflation driven by energy costs and trade tariffs, while highlighting the risks posed by oil supply shocks and geopolitical tensions in the Persian Gulf. Hanson’s forecast projections through 2027 painted a picture of a fragile recovery where resilient consumer spending continues to face pressure from rising costs and fiscal deficits.

The program brought together over 40 Korean and Korean-American finance professionals and concluded with a networking session, offering participants an opportunity to exchange professional insights and strengthen connections across New York’s financial community.  

Commemorating the 150th Anniversary of Kim Koo’s Birth: Exhibition Opening & Presentation

Posted on by admin

Program Brief

Commemorating the 150th Anniversary of Kim Koo’s Birth

UNESCO officially commemorated 2026 as the 150th anniversary of the birth of Kim Koo, honoring his foundational conviction that culture is the ultimate engine of national development, human happiness, and international peace. To mark this significant milestone, The Korea Society, in partnership with the Association of Commemorative Service for Patriot Kim Koo and the Kim Koo Foundation, hosted a landmark presentation and exhibition opening titled “Kim Koo: Dreaming of Peace through the Power of Culture.” This momentous occasion brought together senior policy and civic leaders to celebrate Kim Koo’s enduring legacy and reflect on the growing maturity of the U.S.–Republic of Korea (ROK) alliance.

The event also celebrated the 11th anniversary of the Kim Koo Professional Series at The Korea Society. Over the past decade, this impactful initiative has empowered a network of over 200 fellows spanning policy, corporate industry, media, nonprofits, and academia to strengthen U.S.-Korea relations and promote peace and prosperity in Northeast Asia.

This program was produced in partnership between The Korea Society and The Association of Commemorative Service for Patriot Kim Koo and made possible by the support of the Kim Koo Foundation.

Event Date: Thursday, May 28, 2026

Host Organizations: The Korea Society; Association of Commemorative Service for Patriot Kim Koo

Speakers:

• Han Kyung-Koo, former Secretary-General, Korean National Commission for UNESCO

• Congratulatory remarks by Kang, Kyung-wha, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to the United States

• Congratulatory remarks by Ellen Park, New Jersey Assemblywoman

• Congratulatory message from Kim Mee, Chairperson, Kim Koo Foundation, delivered by Jung Hwa Kim, Director of International Affairs, Kim Koo Foundation

Key Takeaways

1. The Boundless Power of Culture as a Global Engine

Kim Koo wrote in his seminal essay My Wish: “The one thing I desire without limit is the power of a great culture. For the power of culture makes us happy and goes on to bring happiness to others.” Speakers highlighted how this profound vision has dynamically materialized in the modern era. From the global dominance of K-Pop and multi-Tony Award-winning Broadway adaptations like Maybe Happy Ending to Netflix chart-toppers, Korea’s soft power has emerged as a universal bridge for cultural exchange and lasting international peace.

2. Historical Precursors to the Modern ROK-U.S. Alliance

Beyond his revolutionary leadership within the Provisional Government of Korea, Kim Koo’s legacy resonates deeply as a visionary diplomat. His historical foresight led to early, critical collaborations with the U.S. Office of Strategic Services (OSS) on the “Eagle Project.” This initiative served as a vital foundational precursor to the formal institutionalization of the modern ROK-U.S. alliance, which has now matured into a comprehensive strategic partnership encompassing defense, trade, cutting-edge technology, and shared values of freedom and the rule of law.

3. Diplomatic Equality, Dignity, and National Unity

Kim Koo long advocated for bilateral relations rooted strictly in mutual dignity, a sentiment captured in a handwritten calligraphy scroll gifted to the late diplomat and scholar Gregory Henderson that reads: “Let Korea and the United States help one another in friendship and as equals.” His sacrifice and courage established a roadmap proving that a nation’s true strength is not merely measured by military or raw economic might, but by the character, resilience, and unified purpose of its people. This vision underpins the modern democratic advancements that allow contemporary leaders to address global challenges from a position of equal partnership and mutual respect.

    

Congratulatory Remarks:

Her Excellency Kang, Kyung-wha, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Korea to the United States of America

Kang, Kyung-wha was appointed Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Korea to the United States of America by President Lee, Jae Myung in October, 2025. Prior to her appointment, Ambassador Kang served as Minister of Foreign Affairs from 2017-2021 under President Moon, Jae-in. Between April, 2024 and September, 2025 she served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Asia Society in New York. During her varied and distinguished career in public service, Ambassador Kang served as Secretary for International Relations in the Office of the Speaker of the Korean National Assembly and as Senior Advisor and Principal Speechwriter to the Foreign Minister and Principal Interpreter to the President of Korea. She was also Director-General for International Organizations at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade of the Republic of Korea. At the United Nations, she was Deputy High Commissioner at the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, Deputy Emergency Relief Coordinator and Assistant Secretary-General at the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, Chief of the Transition Team for the 9th United Nations Secretary-General-elect and later his Senior Advisor on Policy. Earlier in her career, Ambassador Kang worked for the English Section of Radio Korea International of the Korean Broadcasting System (KBS), served as Assistant Professor at Cleveland State University in Cleveland, Ohio and was active in several women’s organizations in Korea. She was affiliated with Ewha Women’s University as Distinguished Professor Emeritus (Sept. 2022 – Feb. 2023) and is Honorary Professor at the Institute for Global Engagement and Empowerment at Yonsei University since September, 2023. Ambassador Kang has a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science and International Studies from Yonsei University, and both a Master’s Degree and Doctorate in International/Intercultural Communication from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. She is married with three children.

Dr. Kim Mee is a distinguished Korean philanthropist and civic leader. She currently serves as Chairperson of the Kim Koo Foundation, established to honor the legacy of her grandfather, Kim Koo—one of Korea’s most revered independence leaders. The Foundation advances educational and cultural initiatives both in Korea and internationally, continuing Kim Koo’s lifelong commitment to public service and national identity. Dr. Kim has dedicated her career to advocating for social equity and civic engagement. Her work spans a range of critical issues, including women’s rights, child welfare, healthcare access, education, the arts, and civil diplomacy. Dr. Kim is a board director for The Korea Society. She previously served as Chairperson of Women’s News, a leading Korean newspaper focused on women’s issues and social justice. She also holds board positions at the Fletcher School at Tufts University, Midwest Young Artists, and Lake Forest Academy, where she is a Life Trustee. Dr. Kim is the granddaughter of Kim Koo, Premier of the Korean Provisional Government (KPG) and a central figure in Korea’s independence movement. She is also the daughter of General Kim Shin, a pioneering military leader and a senior government official. Dr. Kim is married to Kim Ho Youn, Chairman of Binggrae Co., Ltd., a leading Korean food and beverage company.

Presenter:

Dr. Han Kyung-Koo was the Secretary-General of the Korean National Commission for UNESCO from December 2020 to December 2024. As a cultural anthropologist trained at Seoul National University (M.A.) and Harvard University (Ph.D.), Dr. Han taught anthropology at Kangwon National University and helped develop the Division of International Studies at Kookmin University as its dean. In 2009, he joined the newly founded College of Liberal Studies of Seoul National University and served as its dean. Dr. Han also served as a member of the Korean National Commission for UNESCO, the Policy Planning Committee of the Korean Federation for the Environmental Movement, and the Presidential Commission on Sustainable Development. He has also served on the editorial boards of the Korea Journal, Sahoewa Yeoksa (Society and History), and Cross-Currents: East Asian History and Culture Review. He was also the Editor of Hanguk Munhwa Inryuhak (Korean Cultural Anthropology) and the Korean Social Science Journal. Dr. Han was President of the Korean International Migration Studies Association, the Korean Society of Education for International Understanding, and the Association for the Studies of Korean abroad, as well as Vice President of the Korean Society for Cultural Anthropology, and the Korean Association for Environmental Sociology.