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Author: WDM Team

President Abraham Kim at the 2026 Trans-Pacific Dialogue in Washington, D.C.     

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Dr. Abraham Kim, President & CEO of The Korea Society, attended the 2026 Trans-Pacific Dialogue in Washington, D.C., hosted by the Chey Institute for Advanced Studies. The forum brought together leaders from the Republic of Korea, Japan, and the United States to discuss key issues shaping the future of the Indo-Pacific, including global security, artificial intelligence, trade and investment, and nuclear energy.

During the conference, Dr. Kim reconnected with longtime colleagues and engaged with policymakers, business leaders, and new partners from across the three countries, strengthening opportunities for continued dialogue and collaboration.

The event concluded with a memorable performance by the “Sound Policy” band, led by former U.S. Secretary of State Anthony Blinken and featuring bipartisan musicians.

President Abraham Kim Advances U.S.–Korea Partnerships During California Visit 

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The Korea Society’s President & CEO Dr. Abraham Kim recently concluded a productive business trip to the San Francisco Bay Area and Los Angeles, where he met with Van Fleet Council members, Korea Society leaders, donors, and corporate partners to share the organization’s mission and discuss its next chapter of growth.

During the visit, Dr. Kim highlighted The Korea Society’s continued commitment to strengthening U.S.–Korea relations and expanding its impact through new partnerships and leadership initiatives. He also expressed appreciation for the strong support and enthusiasm from community leaders and partners dedicated to advancing the future of the U.S.–Korea relationship.

Dr. Kim expressed his gratitude to all the leaders, partners, and friends who contributed to the meaningful conversations and continue to support The Korea Society’s mission.

250th Anniversary of American Independence: The Korea Society in D.C

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On July 16, The Korea Society hosted an invitation only networking reception at Samsung’s Washington, D.C. office to commemorate the 250th anniversary of American independence, in partnership with the Korea Inter-Parliamentary Exchange Center (KIPEC) and the Korea Defense Veterans Association (KDVA).

Celebrating America’s semi-quincentennial, the U.S.-Korea Alliance, and the shared values of freedom and democracy, the evening provided a unique platform for strengthening relationships across the U.S.–Korea community. Nearly 170 leaders representing the U.S. and Korean legislative and executive branches, industry, civil society and media gathered to build new connections and reinforce partnerships.

Opening with remarks by The Korea Society’s President & CEO Dr. Abraham Kim, the program featured Ambassador Young-Hee Chun, Chargé d’Affaires a.i. of the Embassy of the Republic of Korea; Hon. Seth Bailey, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary at the U.S. Department of State; Dr. James P. Finch, Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary at the U.S. Department of War; and BG Hyeongjin Yoon, Defense Attaché of the Republic of Korea to the United States, reflecting the broad bipartisan and binational commitment to the alliance.

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.  

As The Korea Society expands its presence in Washington D.C. and other states beyond New York, the America 250 event demonstrated The Society’s unique role as a trusted convener—gathering senior policy makers and emerging leaders from government, business, academia, media, and civil society to foster meaningful dialogue and lasting partnerships that strengthen the U.S.–Korea alliance.

Become part of this growing network. Through individual and corporate membership, The Korea Society offers opportunities to engage with influential leaders, participate in high-level programs, and support the advancement of one of America’s most important strategic partnerships.

Why Kim Jong Un Won’t Pick Up the Phone and What to Do About It

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05/04/2026

Why Kim Jong Un Won’t Pick Up the Phone and What to Do About It

In an article for War on the Rocks, Korea Society Policy Director Jonathan Corrado examines why North Korea has remained reluctant to engage in negotiations with the United States and South Korea despite recent shifts toward greater flexibility on denuclearization. Drawing on the history of U.S.–North Korea negotiations and changes in North Korea’s strategic position, Corrado argues that the current approach should focus less on achieving complete denuclearization and more on arms control and tangible risk reduction. 

The article is available here.

President Abraham Kim Strengthens U.S.–Korea Engagement Through Seoul Visit with Congressional Study Group on Korea (CSGK)

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The Korea Society President & CEO Abraham Kim recently returned from a 1.5-week visit to Seoul, where he met with key business and government leaders and accompanied the Congressional Study Group on Korea (CSGK) on its visit to the Republic of Korea.

The engagement provided U.S. congressional leaders with firsthand insight into Korea’s security, political, economic, and societal landscape, while creating opportunities to exchange perspectives and explore new areas of partnership between the United States and Korea.

During the visit, discussions focused on critical areas of cooperation, including shipbuilding, energy, and technology. The delegation also engaged with the next generation of leaders at Ewha Womans University, experienced Korean baseball, and connected with Korean American chef Edward Lee, highlighting the importance of cultural exchange and people-to-people connections.

Through these meaningful exchanges, President Kim emphasized The Korea Society’s continued role as a bridge between the United States and Korea—bringing together leaders, fostering mutual understanding, and supporting future collaboration and leadership development.

The Korea Society extends its gratitude to the Association of Former Members of Congress (FMC) for continuing this important partnership.

President Abraham Kim Visits Seoul to Strengthen U.S.–Korea Engagement

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The Korea Society President & CEO recently returned from Seoul following his introductory visit to Korea, where he met with leaders across government, business, and cultural sectors to reaffirm the Society’s commitment to strengthening U.S.–Korea relations and fostering mutual understanding.

During the visit, he was joined by Board Chair Ambassador (ret) Kathleen Stephens and Vice President Jiyoung Suh for a series of meetings highlighting the important role of civil society organizations in sustaining dialogue and building connections between the United States and Korea, particularly amid global uncertainty and evolving geopolitical challenges.

The delegation met with leaders from major Korean companies, including Hyundai Motor, Samsung, POSCO, and Hanwha, as well as cultural organizations and innovators such as HYBE, CJ ENM, and Simone. The group also held discussions with representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Korea International Trade Association (KITA), and the Korea Foundation.

Reflecting on the visit, the President & CEO emphasized The Korea Society’s ongoing mission to elevate awareness of the U.S.–Korea alliance and invest in the next generation of leaders who will help shape the future of this important partnership.

The visit marked an important opportunity to deepen relationships with key stakeholders in Korea and further advance The Korea Society’s role as a bridge connecting the people of the United States and Korea.

Founded in 1957, The Korea Society is a nonpartisan, nonprofit, 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to promoting greater awareness, understanding, and cooperation between the U.S. and Korea.

This War-era Humanitarian Rescue Story Undercuts North Korean Propaganda

Posted on by WDM Team

12/25/2025

This War-era Humanitarian Rescue Story Undercuts North Korean Propaganda

In an article for The Diplomat, Korea Society Policy Director Jonathan Corrado examines how the history of the Hungnam evacuation during the Korean War challenges North Korea’s portrayal of the United States and South Korea. Corrado highlights how more than 90,000 North Korean refugees were rescued and brought to safety in South Korea, arguing that this humanitarian story offers a powerful counterpoint to decades of Pyongyang’s anti-American and anti-South Korean propaganda. He suggests that sharing the story with North Korean audiences could help reshape perceptions and lay cultural foundations for future reconciliation on the Korean Peninsula.

The article is available here.

North Korea’s Deadly Drone Bonanza Is Coming to a Peninsula Near You

Posted on by WDM Team

07/22/2025

North Korea’s Deadly Drone Bonanza Is Coming to a Peninsula Near You

In an article for War on the Rocks, Jonathan Corrado, Chelsie Alexandre, and Anton Ponomarenko examine the rapid advancement of North Korea’s drone warfare capabilities following its military cooperation with Russia and battlefield experience in the Russo-Ukraine War. The authors explain how North Korean troops have adapted their tactics in both offensive and counter-drone operations, while benefiting from Russian technology, training, and battlefield support. They argue that these developments could significantly enhance North Korea’s military capabilities and coercive potential on the Korean Peninsula and beyond.

The article is available here.

In Memoriam, Congressman Charles B. Rangel

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In Memoriam, Congressman Charles B. Rangel

In Memoriam, Congressman Charles B. Rangel

 
The Korea Society fondly remembers our friend, Former United States Congressman Charles B. Rangel, who passed away on Memorial Day at the age of 94. 
 
For his full obituary, please go here. An excerpt reads:
 
“Born and raised in Harlem, he was first elected to Congress in 1970, after serving in the New York State Assembly and as an Assistant U.S. Attorney. Congressman Rangel retired from the United States Congress in 2017. He was a veteran of the Korean War, where he earned the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star with Valor.” 
 

In 2020, Congressman Charles B. Rangel received The Korea Society’s highest honor, the Van Fleet Award, alongside Korean War Veterans Association Area Commander Salvatore Scarlato on behalf of American veterans who served during the Korean War. 

Congressman Rangel said: “Thank you for giving me this award on behalf of the hundreds of thousands of people who made the ultimate sacrifice. When I left Korea, I had hoped in my heart that I never would return, but I did return. To my miraculous amazement, I saw out of the smothering ashes and the poverty, despair, and hopelessness, a great nation rise that is not only a friend of America and an exciting trading partner, but an anchor in that part of the world for democracy. On behalf of all of us who participated, for those of us who are not here and for those families who still have the haunting memories of their loved ones, let me thank you for what you’re doing to make sure that these efforts were not in vain.” To watch his full acceptance speech, please go here. 

 

Jiyoung Suh, Vice President of The Korea Society, has been awarded the ROK Prime Minister’s Citation

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Jiyoung Suh, Vice President of The Korea Society

Jiyoung Suh, Vice President of The Korea Society

We are pleased to announce that Jiyoung Suh, Vice President of The Korea Society, has been awarded the ROK Prime Minister’s Citation (국무총리 표창) in recognition of her exceptional contributions to advancing the Korean American community and the enhancement of national Korean prestige in the United States.

With over 11 years of dedicated service at The Korea Society, she has played a vital role in building these networks and has supported efforts to enhance the rights, status, and development of human resources within the Korean diaspora.