Hae Kyung “Haley” Ahn is Senior Advisor for Outreach at The Korea Society. In this position, she plays an important role in expanding the influence and activities of The Korea Society beyond its New York base and acts as the representative of The Korea Society in Washington, D.C. Prior to joining The Korea Society, Haley worked as Senior Advisor at Korea Economic Institute of America (KEI) and Head of the Protocol Office at the U.S. Embassy, Seoul. She also served as advisor and lecturer at the International Convention Management Center at Ewha Womans University and adjunct professor at Soongeui Women’s College in Seoul, Korea. Haley has received various awards from U.S. government including Meritorious Honor Award and Foreign Service National (FSN) of the Year Award. She has also received a Merit Award from the Republic of Korea Minister of National Defense. Haley was an undergraduate at Ewha Womans University. She holds a Master’s degree in International Studies from Yonsei University and Ph.D. in Political Science from Ewha Womans University.

Hyunjung (Helen) Cho joined The Korea Society team in December 2020 as the Financial Controller. She has more than 25 years of finance experience including accounting, business process, budgeting and financial reporting in non-profit, retail, and bio-tech industries. Prior to joining The Korea Society, Helen held a Controller position for more than 12 years and an Accounting Manager for 4 years at The Partnership for New York City. She holds a master’s degree in accounting from University of Colorado Denver and bachelor’s degree in accounting from University of Colorado Boulder. She is a certified public accountant registered in Colorado.

Seho Kim, Senior Creative Director at The Korea Society, oversees the organization’s visual identity, creative projects, and communication strategies across web, print, and mobile platforms. With a background in freelance artistry, including work for UNICEF, W Hotels the Store, and gallery exhibitions, he also illustrated the children’s book Go for Kids and taught at Parsons School of Design/New School University. Holding a BFA from the Rhode Island School of Design and an MFA from Parsons, where he was the 2003 student commencement speaker, he has received numerous accolades for his excellence in communications design, including the ARC, Vision, Inspire, Spotlight, American Design, and Magellan Awards.

Before joining the Korea Society, Jay Oh has worked in publishing and non-profit art organizations in Greensboro, N.C., Minneapolis, and New York. She holds a B.A. in art history from Smith College and an M.A. in art history from Williams College.

Chelsie Alexandre is the Geopolitical Affairs Program Officer at The Korea Society. She works with the Director of Policy to develop and implement events that address issues shaping the dynamics of U.S.-ROK relations, the Korean peninsula, and Northeast Asia. Before joining The Korea Society, Chelsie received a Fulbright Research award to conduct research in South Korea on the role of middle power countries in the Korean peace process with Korea University’s Peace and Democracy Institute. During her time in Seoul, she also briefly reported on domestic Korean affairs for The Diplomat.

Prior to her current role, Chelsie was a Partnerships Coordinator at the New York City-based nonprofit, The Concordia Summit, and she worked as a Legal Analyst at the global law firm Kobre & Kim. Chelsie also had previous experience as a research Intern at The Korea Society. She graduated with a B.A. in Politics from Princeton University, with minors in East Asian Studies and Diplomacy.

Rachel Bang is The Korea Society’s Arts and Culture Programs Associate. Rachel is responsible for supporting the development and implementation of various arts and culture initiatives within the organization. She also works to conduct research related to arts and culture, identifying potential partners and collaborators, and helping to build relationships! She holds a B.A. in Psychology and minor in Korean Culture and Studies.

Jonathan Corrado is Director of Geopolitical Affairs for The Korea Society. He produces programming and conducts research on a range of security, diplomacy, and socioeconomic issues impacting the U.S.-Korea Alliance, the Korean Peninsula, and Northeast Asia. He teaches a class titled, “North Korea: State, Society, Diplomacy, and Security” at The School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA) at Columbia University and SUNY Stony Brook University. Jonathan is a member of The National Committee on North Korea (NCNK). He was previously a non-resident James A. Kelly Fellow at Pacific Forum, an Emerging Leader at the National Committee on American Foreign Policy (NCAFP), and a contributor to NK Pro. He has published peer-reviewed articles in the International Journal of Intelligence and CounterIntelligence, the Journal of Indo Pacific Affairs, the Journal of the Royal Society for Asian Affairs, and Asian Politics & Policy. He has also published analysis in diverse outlets such as Foreign Affairs, Foreign Policy, War on the Rocks, 38 North, The Diplomat, The Japan Times, The National Interest, Yahoo News, Pacific Forum PacNet and Issues & Insights, NK News, and NK Pro. He has been quoted in The Washington Post, Bloomberg, Reuters, The South China Morning Post, The Korea Times, Radio Free Asia, and Voice of America. Jonathan was previously a translator for Daily NK (Korean to English), an FCPA due diligence investigator for Steele Compliance Solutions, a graduate fellow for McLarty Associates, and a volunteer analyst for the Congressional Research Service. Jonathan received an MA from Georgetown University’s Asian Studies Program in the Walsh School of Foreign Service and a BA in anthropology and philosophy from the University of Maryland College Park.

Stephanie Hwang is The Korea Society’s Development Program Officer. Along with providing general support to the Development Team, she is responsible for managing individual membership and programming the Young Professional Network. Prior to joining The Korea Society in 2023, she worked in Publicity and Marketing at Riverhead Books, an imprint of Penguin Random House. She holds a bachelor’s degree in English from Stony Brook University, and tutors high-school level English on the weekends.

Jamie Joo is the Associate Director of Development at The Korea Society. She is responsible for managing corporate membership and coordinating special events for the organization. Before joining The Korea Society, Jamie served as an Operation Specialist in the United States Navy. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Electronic Engineering Technology with a specialization in Avionics from Vaughn College of Aeronautics and Technology.

Eunjung Kho is the Director of Administration / Assistant Controller at the Society. She graduated from the State University of New York at Binghamton with a BS in Accounting. During her years at Binghamton, she served on the Executive Board of various Korean-American groups—as a Secretary, Fundraiser, and Design Editor—that promoted and planned social, educational, and cultural events for Koreans, Korean-Americans, and students on campus. She was the Secretary for Korean-American Student Association, and the Magazine Design Editor and Secretary for Han Perspective, the only bilingual publication group on campus to provide news, opinions, reviews, and arts with a focus on Korean and Korean-American culture.

Sojeong is the Director of Business and Economics Program. Working with the Senior Director of Development, Sojeong manages the corporate program with a focus on startup business in America and Korea. Her program shines a light on the dynamic startup scene in Korea and America, helping to connect successful startup pioneers with aspiring entrepreneurs. Sojeong has extensive experience in fundraising and in managing youth leadership and community development programs. Prior to her current role, she was a Program Officer at the Korean National Commission for UNESCO, The Beautiful Foundation NY (aka Nanum Foundation), and The Korea Society. She holds a B.A. in English Education from Ewha Womans University, an M.A. in Political Science from Seoul National University, and an M.I.A. (Master of International Affairs) from the University of California, San Diego.

Gayoung is the Executive Assistant to President/CEO and Board of Directors Staff Liaison at The Korea Society. She previously interned at Portman Square Group, a global investigations firm specializing in business intelligence, where she focused on due diligence, research, and data analysis. Gayoung also worked as an administrative assistant in Columbia University’s Undergraduate Admissions Office and as a communications associate at The Kaizen Company, an international development firm.

Passionate about foreign policy and U.S.-Korea relations, Gayoung was one of ten undergraduate fellows selected globally for the 2022 Nuclear Nonproliferation Education and Research Center (NEREC) Summer Fellowship program at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST). There, she conducted research on potential challenges to the Nuclear Suppliers Group due to increasing global nuclear demand and changing attitudes surrounding nuclear energy. Gayoung graduated from Columbia University with a B.A. in Political Science.

Sara is the Business & Economics Program Associate at The Korea Society. She provides support to the corporate programs, focusing on US-ROK economic relations, the startup sector, and related leadership programs. Prior to joining the Korea Society, she has interned at The Ditchley Foundation and at the US-Asia Institute and has conducted various research about Korea’s role in the world, such as Korea’s modern economic development, Korean diaspora studies, South Korea and China’s cultural diplomatic ties, and East Asian modern territoriality. She holds an MSc in International Relations from The London School of Economics and a double B.A. in Global Liberal Studies and Social Cultural Analysis (high honors) from New York University.

Yurim Oh is The Korea Society’s Education Program Officer and serves as the coordinator of the Society’s Korean Language Program (KLP). Yurim is responsible for supporting the development, management, and promotion of KLP. She focuses on marketing and outreach to expand the program’s reach while also contributing to curriculum development. Prior to joining The Korea Society in 2025, Yurim worked as a program director and instructor at Semonemo.US. She is currently a candidate for a Master of Science degree in Curriculum Development and Instructional Technology at the University at Albany. Yurim also holds a bachelor’s degree in Public Administration from the University of Seoul.

Micala Shaffer is The Korea Society’s Communication Officer. She is responsible for developing and executing the organization’s communications strategy, coordinating program promotions, fostering relationships with media personnel, and managing grant proposals and reporting. She first joined The Korea Society as Communication Intern in 2021 after graduating from University at Albany with a B.A. in East Asian Studies, double major in Globalization Studies, and a minor in Korean Studies. Prior to joining The Korea Society full time, she worked as the receptionist at the law office of McAdam & Fallon.

Bradley D. Sheen is the Media Program Associate at The Korea Society. With a strong background in media production and a B.A. in English from the University of Virginia, he collaborates closely with the Creative Director and IT Director to create engaging multimedia content, including video production, editing, and graphic design. His role also involves updating program webpages, ensuring a dynamic online presence for the organization.

As the Society’s IT Director, Peter Stuehmke is proficient with technologies such as network administration, database administration, Web 2.0 technologies, and audio-visual production. Prior to joining the Society in April 2006, Peter Stuehmke worked in a variety of technology, support, consulting, and media-design positions. Mr. Stuehmke graduated from the State University of New York at Stony Brook in 2005 with a BA in philosophy and a minor in engineering science.

Carter Booth is a retired Managing Director of JPMorganChase&Co in New York with a financial career spanning three decades. As an international banker he has lived in New York, Hong Kong, Indonesia and Taiwan, where he also served as President of the American Chamber of Commerce in Taiwan. After leaving the firm, Mr. Booth served as an independent consultant and was also senior advisor to The Korea Society.

Mr. Booth’s focus has been on business and economics, corporate governance, education and political issues, reflected in his interest in public policy throughout his international career. He is a graduate of Shortridge High School, Brown University, a life member of the Council on Foreign Relations and an Eagle Scout. He has served on a number of boards, including president of the Glebe House Museum and Gertrude Jekyll Garden, president of the Westfield Symphony Orchestra, a director of the American Indonesian Cultural and Education Foundation and The Korea Society.

He is a Vietnam veteran serving on active duty as a naval officer aboard the USS BARRY (DD933) and as Aide To the Commandant of the Third Naval District in New York. He later served as a LCDR in the U.S. Naval Reserve.

Nicholas Bratt is a Portfolio Manager/Analyst on the Global Thematic Equity team. He began working in the investment field in 1973. Prior to joining Lazard in 2003, Nick was a Director of Global Products, Head of International Portfolio Management, Head of the Global Equity Group and Global Chief Investment Officer with Scudder/Deutsche Asset Management. He has an MIA from Columbia University (Fulbright Scholarship) and a BA in Politics, Philosophy and Economics from St. John’s College, Oxford University. Nick is a former Director of the Korea Society and a member of the Council on Foreign Relations.

Youngsuk ‘YS’ Chi is a leader in the media and technology industry, and currently serves Elsevier and RELX in several different capacities. In his primary role as Director of Corporate Affairs and Asia Strategy for RELX, he is responsible for government affairs, corporate communications and corporate responsibility for RELX. As non-executive Chairman of Elsevier, he works directly with governments, Elsevier customers and industry associations worldwide.

YS recently served as Chairman of the Association of American Publishers and has also concluded 4 years of service as the President of the International Publishers Association. He has also served on dozens of charitable, educational and industry boards, including Princeton University, South Federal State University, the Korean American Community Foundation and McCarter Theatre.

Philanthropist and fashion pioneer Misook Doolittle uplifts the arts, cultural pride, and human services with a deep belief in the beauty of everyday impact. Born in Seoul, Korea, Misook followed her creative passions to the United States, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in fine arts from the University of Southern Indiana. Inspired to design sophisticated clothing made for women by women, she founded her eponymous fashion label, Exclusively Misook, in 1985. The brand became an international success, invigorating the high-end women’s knitwear market with refined aesthetics, sustainable materials, innovative technology, and uncompromising style.

The label allowed Misook to fulfil a personal mission she continues today: empowering women and international communities through thoughtful creativity, with an eye toward making a lasting impact. Misook continues this legacy in her philanthropic work, which honors the extraordinary in the everyday — including women, music, education, and diversity — to enrich our society. Driven by her deep commitment to social responsibility, she founded the Harry and Misook Doolittle Foundation in 2001 to support Korean heritage, arts and culture, education, and healthcare, among other initiatives. The organization now serves as a living tribute to her late husband, an acclaimed author and visual artist. Misook is a board member of the New York Philharmonic and American Friends of Covent Garden and serves on advisory boards for the Metropolitan Opera, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, and City Harvest, among others.

Through her business entrepreneurship and indelible impact, Misook has elevated the cultural world and redefined Korean-American elegance; she is admired today as a testament to the enduring power of creative vision, resilience, and generosity.

Ambassador (retired) Susan M. Elliott is President & CEO of the National Committee on American Foreign Policy, a position she assumed in August 2018. During her 27-year diplomatic career, Ambassador Elliott held a variety of leadership positions at the U.S. Department of State.

Ambassador Elliott served as the Civilian Deputy and Foreign Policy Advisor to the Commander of the United States European Command and was the U.S. Ambassador to Tajikistan from 2012 to 2015. Prior to her Ambassadorial appointment, she served as the Deputy Assistant Secretary of State, Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs, U.S. Department of State. Ambassador Elliott worked also worked in Russia, Greece, Peru and Northern Ireland as well as a variety of Washington-based assignments.

Ambassador Elliott served on the faculties of Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana and the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, Virginia before joining the U.S. Department of State.

Ambassador Christopher R. Hill is a professional American diplomat who has served under seven presidents since entering the U.S. Foreign Service in 1977. Hill is a five-time ambassador across multiple regions in Senate-confirmed positions, including as ambassador to Iraq, the Republic of Korea, Poland, North Macedonia and most recently to the Republic of Serbia until January 2025. He was also Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs under Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama.

As the senior U.S. negotiator, Hill led U.S. efforts at the Six Party Talks to end North Korea’s nuclear weapons program in 2005-2009. Earlier, he was a lead State Department negotiator in Dayton, Ohio, the process that ended the war in Bosnia. Later, he was the U.S. special envoy in negotiations that led to the end of the Kosovo war. In addition, Hill served as a senior director in the National Security Council staff and as a special assistant to President Clinton. He earned a BA at Bowdoin College and MA from the Naval War College. Outside of the foreign service he was the Dean of the Korbel School at the University of Denver and taught at Columbia University. He began his career as a Peace Corps volunteer in West Africa.

Thomas C. Hubbard, Senior Director, is a veteran leader of our Asia practice. A career foreign service officer for nearly forty years, he served as US Ambassador to the Republic of Korea from 2001 to 2004, and before that as Ambassador to the Philippines from 1996 to 2000. Earlier in his career, he served seven years in Japan and was Deputy Chief of Mission and acting Ambassador in Malaysia.

He held key Washington postings, including Philippines Desk Officer, Country Director for Japan, and Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for East Asian and Pacific affairs. A fluent Japanese speaker, he devoted half his career to Japan-US relations. Increasingly involved in Korean Peninsular affairs in the 1990s, Ambassador Hubbard was a principal negotiator of the 1994 Agreed Framework aimed at ending North Korea’s nuclear weapons program, and headed the first senior level US government delegation to North Korea. He was also President Clinton’s envoy to promote human rights and democracy in Burma.

Former Chairman of the Korea Society in New York, Ambassador Hubbard is co-founder of the US-Philippines Society in Washington and sits on numerous other advisory boards. He has been awarded honorary doctorates by the University of Maryland and the University of Alabama.

Formerly a fashion industry entrepreneur now heads a charitable organization, Y.T. Hwang Family Foundation as chair.

Steve Kahng is a General Partner at Arboretum Capital LLC, a family office. Outside of Arboretum, he has been devoting most of his time to philanthropy and non-profit work through his family foundation. He is currently on the Board of Overseers for the Hoover Institution at Stanford University and is a Trustee of the Asia Foundation. He is also a Board member of San Francisco Opera, American Australian Council, KAIST University US Foundation, and the Committee for Human Rights in North Korea. Steve also serves on the International Advisory Board of the Carnegie Mellon University Center for International Studies.

In 1994 Mr. Kahng founded Power Computing Corp., the most successful of several companies that received licenses for the Macintosh OS platform. In 1999, the company was acquired by Apple Computer when Steve Jobs returned to the company.

He began his career at IBM as a computer designer for IBM 3080 Mainframe computers. In the early 1980s, he began several successful start up companies in computer design and semiconductor sectors. He was also a consultant to many domestic and international computer companies including Digital Equipment Corp, Compaq Computer Corp (both now part of HP), Olivetti Corporation, Samsung Electronics, LG Electronics and Daewoo Corporation. Steve received a Masters in Computer Engineering at the University of Michigan and a B.S. in Electrical Engineering from Michigan Technological University. Steve also served in Illinois Air National Guard.

Athar Khan was appointed to the role of Director, Global Sales, Asia Pacific in April 2025. Athar will serve as the senior Delta sales leader across the APAC region tasked with securing revenue growth in close partnership with Korean Air. Athar will be leading a team of seasoned Delta sellers while also managing multiple General Sales Agent (GSA) contracts predominately across South-East Asia. Athar will also oversee the negotiation of multi-national agreements across local Corporate and TMC accounts.

Prior to this role, Athar served as Director, International Specialty Sales since October 2020. Athar and his team managed Delta’s relationship with accounts specialized in Asia Pacific, Latin and EMEAI Consolidator business, within the United States. Athar and his team coordinated joint selling activities with our partners Aeromexico, Air France/KLM, Virgin Atlantic, Korean Air, LATAM, and China Eastern.

Athar joined Delta in 2011 as General Manager – NYC Sales, where he helped lead Delta’s “Win in NY” strategy. Athar has led a variety of teams throughout his tenure including Director – Financial Services Sales and Director – Asia Pacific Multi-National Account Sales. Athar also served a one-year secondment as Vice President of the Americas for Jet Airways. Prior to Delta, Athar worked for American Airlines and Qatar Airways for a combined 20 years with key international assignments across the globe including Hong Kong, Seoul, London, San Juan, and Doha. Athar graduated from Marlboro College, Vermont with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics and Sociology. Athar is based in Seoul, South Korea.

Spencer H. Kim is Chairman and CEO of CBOL Corporation, a global manufacturing and distribution company for aerospace products, and Chairman of Celltron, Inc., a manufacturer of aerospace and industrial wiring harnesses. His past business interests include the construction, aluminum, and food production industries. Mr. Kim is a co-founder of the Pacific Century Institute, a non-profit foundation dedicated to building bridges of understanding among the peoples of the Pacific Rim.

He is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations, the Board of Directors of the International Student Conferences, and the Advisory Councils of the Korea Economic Institute, Pacific Basin Institute at Pomona College, and Harvard University Asia Center. He is also a trustee at the Claremont School of Theology. Mr. Kim was appointed by the President to represent the United States on the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum’s Business Advisory Council from 2006 to 2008 and served on the board of The Korea Society from 1999 to 2012. He chaired the World Economic Forum’s Global Agenda Council on Korea in 2011 and was a resident fellow at Harvard’s Ash Center for Democratic Governance and Innovation 2012-13.

As the founder of PGP, Mr. Kim has developed the firm’s strategy and led the organization since its inception in 2003. Mr. Kim has broad, senior-level experience in the financial services industry, starting his career in the Investment Banking Group at Merrill Lynch in New York. While at Merrill Lynch, Mr. Kim was involved with a wide variety of high-yield financings, restructurings, divestitures, and acquisitions.

Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa appointed Mr. Kim as Commissioner of the City of Los Angeles Affordable Housing Commission in 2010. Mr. Kim also served on the Board of Directors of US Metro Bank and several non-profit organizations, including The Korea Society. Mr. Kim earned his BA in Economics at Dartmouth College and his MBA from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania.

Sunny Park is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Great American Scholarship Foundation, the former Chief Executive Janitor of General Building Maintenance, and CEO of Global Sun Investments, Inc. Mr. Park is an Executive in Residence of Georgia State University where he lectures MBA classes regularly.

A native of South Korea, Mr. Park served as Commissioner of the White House Initiative on Asian Americans and Vice Chairman of Georgia Ports Authority. Mr. Park also serves on several nonprofit boards, including National Guard’s Youth Foundation in Washington, DC; USO Georgia; National Center for Civil and Human Rights; Carter Center Board of Councilors; Atlanta Symphony Orchestra; Atlanta Rotary Club Board; WABE Atlanta Public Broadcasting; Advisory Board of Kennesaw State University; Emeritus board member of Berry College and Junior Achievements Georgia.

He studied at Information Technology Institute of Korea, Indiana University-Purdue University at Indianapolis, Kellogg School of Management, National Security Seminars at US Army War College, Carlisle Barracks, PA. He received an honorary doctorate degree from Belhaven University.

Jay is the Chairman of Chong Kun Dang Holdings Corp. (CKDHC), a fully integrated pharmaceutical company Chong Kun Dang (CKD) with expertise in the R&D of new drugs and Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (API) in Seoul, Korea. A venture capital investment, an advertising firm ‘Bellcom’ and Land & Property Investment Company ‘CKDI’ also take part in CKDHC. Others are philanthropic activities which help contribute to society such as the CKD Kochon Foundation which financially supports outstanding students through scholarships and the CKD Kochon Educational Foundation providing educational opportunities through the operation of Daedong Taxation High School.

Jay is actively involved in diverse economic fields and is currently the chairman of the Korea-Italy Economic Cooperation Committee of The Federation of Korean Industries. He holds great interest in international affairs especially in Cuba to fulfill his role as the chairman of the Korea-Cuba Economic-Cooperation Committee. Devoted in the bio and pharmaceutical industry for almost 30 years, Jay is the advisor of the Korea Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association. After majoring in Business Administration at Hanyang University, he studied Journalism at the University of Missouri and earned his Ph.D. at Korea University.

BS in Mechanical Engineering, Seoul National University

• 2025.3~ Board Chair, The National Academy of Engineering of Korea
• 2025.2~ Board Member, Seoul National University
• 2024.1~ Member, World Economic Forum (WEF, Davos Forum) International Business Council (IBC)
• 2023.1~ Chair, Davos Forum Chemical & Advanced Materials Industry Governors
• 2023.1~ Chairman, Korea Chemical Industry Association
• 2019.3~ Senior Vice Chairman, Korea Business Council for Sustainable Development
• 2019.1~ LG Chem Chief Executive Officer & Board Chair (CEO)
• 2017.7 3M Vice Chair and Executive Vice President, R&D, Supply Chain, Business Transformation/IT, Business Development

Earlier 3M roles: EVP, International Operations / Industrial & Transportation Business; Division VP for the Industrial Adhesives and Tapes Division, Electronics Markets Materials Division, and Superabrasives and Microfinishing Systems Division; 3M Philippines CEO; and 3M Korea Business Group Manager, Consumer and Office Markets Group.

B.A. in Sociology, Stanford University · Choate Rosemary Hall, Wallingford, CT

• 2025~ Chairperson, Ballet Festival Korea
• 2024~ Vice Chair, The Federation of Korean Industries
• 2024~ 15th Chairman of the Korea Fashion Association
• 2022~ Vice Chairman, Youngone Group
• 2020 President, Youngone Corporation
• 2016 President and CEO, Youngone Holdings Corporation
• 2002 Year of Joining, Youngone Corporation
• Member, Young Presidents’ Organization (YPO) International
• Board Member, World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) – Korea
• Board Member, The Friends of The Asia Foundation
• Vice President, Stanford Club of Korea
• Head, Choate Rosemary Hall Club of Korea

Publications: Timeless Lessons: Everything I Have Learned from My Father about Management (2023). Awards: Nation’s Honorable Recognition Medal (2021).

Gene Yoon (Yoon Yoon-soo), as the chairman of both Misto Holdings Corp. and Acushnet Holdings Corp., leads a globally recognized brand portfolio that is synonymous with excellence in both sportswear and golf. Under his stewardship, FILA has become a premium lifestyle sportswear brand, embodying a unique blend of fashion and functionality that appeals to consumers worldwide. In addition, Acushnet Holdings Corp., also under his leadership, owns and manages some of the most esteemed brands in the golf industry, including Titleist and FootJoy, which are celebrated for their top-tier quality and innovation.

He began his career in 1973 as a ship operator at Korea Shipping Corporation, which later became Hanjin Shipping Co., Ltd. In 1975, he transitioned into a role as a distributor for JCPenney, and in the early 1980s, he advanced to the position of export director at Hwaseung, an international trading and shoe company. These early experiences laid the foundation for his future success in the global sportswear and golf industries.

His international accolades reflect his exceptional contributions and leadership. In 2008, Mr. Yoon was honored as a Chevalier of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic, and in 2010, he was granted honorary citizenship of Biella, Italy. In 2012, he was recognized with the Ernst & Young Master Entrepreneur of the Year Award and made history as the first non-Seoul National University graduate to deliver the commencement speech at the university’s 66th graduation ceremony. Additionally, in recognition of his military service and his support for the U.S.-Korea alliance, he received the inaugural Staff Sgt. Kim Sang-won Distinguished Former KATUSA Award in 2015.

Songyee Yoon is a distinguished venture capitalist, entrepreneur, and philanthropist known for her significant contributions to the gaming industry, technology, and AI policy.

As founder and managing partner of Principal Venture Partners, a Silicon Valley-based venture capital firm, Dr. Yoon focuses on investing in AI-native companies. She provides strategic advisory services to governments, helping them develop branding and strategies for the future. Through her extensive political and diplomatic network, PVP has become a leading strategy advisor to organizations navigating uncertainty.

Dr. Yoon serves as a trustee of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace and as a member of the MIT Corporation. She also explores AI’s social impact and ethics as an inaugural member of the Advisory Council at Stanford University’s Institute for Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence. Her work has earned recognition and honors from various institutions, including the Wall Street Journal and the World Economic Forum.

Myung Hwan Yu joined Kim & Chang in 2011 after 37 years of distinguished service with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, including Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade from 2008 to 2010.

He started his foreign service in Japan in 1976 as a young diplomat and returned as Ambassador to Japan in March 2007. Amb. Yu’s experience extends across a broad range of issues in the field of international relations including trade and security issues and negotiations with North Korea in particular. He has served as Political Counselor and Deputy Chief of Mission of the Korean Embassy in the United States, respectively in the 1980s and 1990s, and also served as Minister of the Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York.

Amb. Yu was appointed the Ambassador for Anti-Terrorism and Afghanistan Issues in 2001. He also served as the Ambassador to the State of Israel from 2002 to 2004 when he was transferred to the Philippines. He was appointed 2nd Vice Foreign Minister in July 2005 and later, he served as 1st Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade until December 2006.

Amb. Yu graduated from Seoul National University (BA 1970) and also studied at the Institute for Social Studies at The Hague, Netherlands (Diploma 1974). He was awarded the Order of Service Merit, Red Stripes in 1996 and the Grand Cross of the Order of Sikatuna in 2005 from the Government of the Philippines. From the Japanese Government, he was also awarded Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun in 2015.