The Korea Society 2026 Annual Gala took place on Monday, September 28 at Cipriani South Street in New York City. SK Inc. Chairman & CEO Tae-won Chey opened the 2026 Van Fleet Award presentation with a special toast honoring NVIDIA founder and CEO Jensen Huang’s contributions to U.S.–Korea ties.
The Korea Society 2026 Annual Gala took place on Monday, September 28 at Cipriani South Street in New York City. Samsung Electronics Executive Chairman Jay Y. Lee opened the 2026 Van Fleet Award presentation with congratulatory remarks honoring NVIDIA founder and CEO Jensen Huang’s contributions to U.S.–Korea ties.
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On September 28th at Cipriani South Street, The Korea Society 2026 Annual Gala brought together over 530 guests from business, government, technology, academia, and civil society in support of the deep and meaningful partnership between the United States and Korea.
We were delighted to present the 2026 Van Fleet Award to Jensen Huang, founder and CEO of NVIDIA, in recognition of his pioneering leadership in accelerated computing and artificial intelligence—technologies that form a cornerstone of the expanding economic and technological partnership between the United States and Korea.
Watch Jensen Huang’s full Van Fleet Award acceptance speech.
Latest News
On September 28th at Cipriani South Street, The Korea Society 2026 Annual Gala brought together over 530 guests from business, government, technology, academia, and civil society in support of the deep and meaningful partnership between the United States and Korea.
We were delighted to present the 2026 Van Fleet Award to Jensen Huang, founder and CEO of NVIDIA, in recognition of his pioneering leadership in accelerated computing and artificial intelligence—technologies that form a cornerstone of the expanding economic and technological partnership between the United States and Korea.
The Van Fleet Award presentation was followed by a Fireside Chat with Jensen Huang, moderated by Juju Chang, co-anchor of ABC News’ Nightline. The conversation explored Mr. Huang’s career, NVIDIA’s decades-long collaboration with Korean partners, and the future of the AI industry.
Watch the full Fireside Chat with Jensen Huang.
On September 28th at Cipriani South Street, The Korea Society 2026 Annual Gala brought together over 530 guests from business, government, technology, academia, and civil society in support of the deep and meaningful partnership between the United States and Korea. The active participation of countless leaders and pioneers in our community was the driving force behind this unforgettable occasion, which we are proud to share generated a record-breaking revenue of over $3 million.
We were delighted to present the 2026 Van Fleet Award to Jensen Huang, founder and CEO of NVIDIA, in recognition of his pioneering leadership in accelerated computing and artificial intelligence—technologies that form a cornerstone of the expanding economic and technological partnership between the United States and Korea.
Watch Jensen Huang’s full Van Fleet Award acceptance speech.
The Van Fleet Award presentation was followed by a Fireside Chat with Jensen Huang, moderated by Juju Chang, co-anchor of ABC News’ Nightline. The conversation explored Mr. Huang’s career, NVIDIA’s decades-long collaboration with Korean partners, and the future of the AI industry.
Watch the full Fireside Chat with Jensen Huang.
We also extend a sincere thank-you to Executive Chairman Jay Y. Lee of Samsung Electronics who provided congratulatory remarks and to Chairman & CEO Tae-won Chey of SK Inc. who presented a special toast to the evening’s Van Fleet Award honoree.
Samsung Electronics Executive Chairman Jay Y. Lee’s congratulatory remarks.
SK Inc. Chairman & CEO Tae-won Chey’s special toast.
We were grateful to have special remarks delivered by Ambassador Jihoon Cha, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Korea to the United Nations, and the Hon. Young Kim, U.S. Representative for California’s 40th Congressional District.
Ambassador Jihoon Cha’s remarks.
Hon. Young Kim’s remarks.
A highlight of the ceremony was Frank Blake, great-grandson of General James Van Fleet, introducing the Van Fleet Award ahead of this year’s presentation. Brendan Dillon, Partner and Head of Capital Formation, Capital Markets, and Credit at Veritas Capital provided a special toast to round out the evening.
Our Master of Ceremonies, Eva Pilgrim, anchor of Inside Edition, expertly guided our audience through the evening’s program. Guests enjoyed two outstanding performances from award-winning Broadway, film, and television actors & vocalists Stephanie Jae Park and Marcus Choi. Both performances brought high energy to the program and embodied the great unity and jubilation of the celebration.
2026 Van Fleet Award Honoree, Mr. Jensen Huang, generously signed a leather jacket to be auctioned off in support of The Korea Society.
Following an introduction by Hy Hetherington, CEO of HLP Integration and Development Committee Chair on The Korea Society Board, benefits auctioneer Tom Stebbins led our audience through the lively paddle raise portion of the evening.
We deeply appreciate our 63 paddle raise participants who helped contribute towards a record-breaking Gala revenue of over $3 million.
Preceding the Gala program, guests in our Maehwa Reception were treated to welcoming remarks from 2026 Van Fleet Award honoree Jensen Huang, and a special toast from David Chung, Founder & CEO of The Rootist and Founder & Chairman of the Judith Ehm Foundation.
It was announced at the Gala that Ambassador Kathleen Stephens will conclude her seven-year tenure as Chair of the Board of The Korea Society and that her successor will be Ambassador Philip Goldberg, former U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Korea. On behalf of the Board of Directors, Ambassador Goldberg presented Ambassador Stephens with a plaque honoring her leadership of the Society and her decades of service to the U.S.–Korea relationship.
Samsung Electronics congratulated Mr. Huang on receiving the 2026 Van Fleet Award with a large video billboard in Times Square, running from the day before the event through the night of the Gala.
We extend our deepest gratitude to our generous supporters including the paddle raise participants who made this meaningful event possible. Our sponsors’ support is essential in realizing The Korea Society’s vision for a stronger and more dynamic partnership between the United States and Korea.
Cynthia and Anthony Kim
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To learn more about The Korea Society Annual Gala, please visit tksgala.org.
Join us for the year’s premier celebration of the U.S.–Korea partnership. Visit the gala site for program details, honorees, tickets, and sponsorship opportunities.
Visit the gala site →
Explore highlights and honorees from more than two decades of Korea Society Annual Galas. Select any year to view its program.
Tables, tickets, and sponsorships help sustain The Korea Society’s mission year-round. Explore ways to take part in this year’s gala or to support the Society as a member.
See details, sponsors, and highlights from the most recent Van Fleet Memorial Golf Tournament.
View the 35th tournament →
A look back at more than three decades of the Van Fleet Memorial Golf Tournament. Select any year to view its details.
Proceeds from the Van Fleet Memorial Golf Tournament help sustain the Society’s mission year-round. Make a gift or join as a member to take part in the work.
Given annually “to one or more distinguished Koreans or Americans in recognition of their outstanding contributions to the promotion of U.S.–Korea relations.”
The award is named for General James A. Van Fleet, commander of the U.S. Eighth Army at the height of the Korean War in 1951. Beginning in 1957, General Van Fleet served as the first president of The Korea Society.
Each year, the award is presented to its recipient at The Korea Society’s Annual Gala.
Meet the most recent recipients of the General James A. Van Fleet Award and read about his contributions to the U.S.–Korea relationship.
View 2026 honoree →
Three decades of Van Fleet Award recipients, from 1995 to today. Select any year to view its honorees.
The Van Fleet Award is conferred each year at The Korea Society’s Annual Dinner—the organization’s signature celebration of the U.S.–Korea partnership.
This year, The Korea Society returned to the renowned Baltusrol Golf Club to host the 35th Annual Van Fleet Memorial Golf Tournament on May 18, 2026.
We were delighted to welcome our sponsors, members, and friends for a lovely day of golf, networking, and competition. Throughout the tournament, participants enjoyed a beautiful day on the course while reconnecting with colleagues and strengthening ties within the Korea–U.S. community.
With thanks to our generous sponsors, in-kind donors, and partnership with the Korea Finance Society, we enjoyed a special celebration of the 35th anniversary of this longstanding tradition.
This year, Mr. Drew Pohalski received the Medalist Low Gross Van Fleet Memorial Award.
Congratulations to our full list of awardees below!
• Mr. Drew Pohalski (Medalist Low Gross Van Fleet Memorial Award)
• Mr. Michael Breed (Low Gross 2nd Place Van Fleet Memorial Award)
• Mr. Paul Kwaki (Low Gross 3rd Place Van Fleet Memorial Award)
• Mr. Jinho Lee (Low Net First Place Individual)
• Ms. Hyun Jung Je (Longest Drive Female)
• Mr. Sam Kang (Longest Drive Male)
• Ms. Carli Smith (Closest to the Pin Female)
• Mr. Drew Pohalski (Closest to the Pin Male)
• Mr. Scott Paris, Mr. Michael Breed, Ms. Mary Lou Bohn, Mr. Jay Hill (Low Gross Team)
• Mr. Jinho Lee, Ms. Haelim Shin, Mr. Seung Shik Lee, Mr. Seong Yong Yoon (Low Net First Place Team)
• Mr. Jon Ferency (Most Honest Golfer)
A special highlight of the day was our collaboration with the Mental Performance Golf Academy (MPGA), who hosted morning clinic sessions for guests to sharpen their skills with golf professionals.
We were also honored to welcome MPGA Founder, Dr. Mat Park, as the guest speaker for an evening Fireside Chat on Golf, Life, and the Pursuit of Happiness, moderated by The Korea Society President & CEO Dr. Abe Kim.
Check out a few photos capturing this special event in the below. Thank you to everyone who helped make this year’s tournament such a success, and we look forward to welcoming you again next year.
| This year’s event is proudly presented in partnership with the Korea Finance Society. |  |
TOURNAMENT CO-CHAIRS
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Gene Yoon |
Michael Woods |
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
| 9:30 AM | Registration / Brunch / Open Driving Range | |
| 11:30 AM | Shotgun Tee Off | |
| 4:30 PM | Cocktail Reception | |
| 5:30 PM | Dinner, Awards Ceremony & Silent Auction | |
Please note that this is a walking course. Cart is available only for medical usage.
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SPONSOR LEVELS
GOLD SPONSOR: $25,000
• Two foursomes (8 golfers)
• Four additional invitations to the cocktail reception and dinner
• Reserved table at dinner & award ceremony
• Full-page acknowledgement in the tournament program
• Recognition from the podium during the dinner ceremony
• Two tee signs of company logo placed at the agreed upon tee box
• Company logo recognition on the event display board, website, tournament program, promotional emails, social media, and other print publications
SILVER SPONSOR: $15,000
• One foursome (4 golfers)
• Two additional invitations to the cocktail reception and dinner
• Full-page acknowledgement in the tournament program
• Recognition from the podium during the dinner ceremony
• One tee sign of company logo placed at the agreed upon tee box
• Company logo recognition on the event display board, website, tournament program, promotional emails, social media, and other print publications
CADDIE BIB SPONSOR: $10,000
• Company logo placed on caddie bibs (either front or back)
• Maximum of two sponsors
• Complimentary invitation for two golfers
• Half-page acknowledgement in the tournament program
• Company logo recognition on the event display board, website, tournament program, promotional emails, social media, and other print publications
TEE BOX SPONSOR: $1,500 per Tee
• Tee signs will be placed in one of the 18 holes on the golf course
• Company logo recognition on the event display board, website, and tournament program
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Full-page in the tournament program book – $5,000 (including complimentary invitation for one golfer)
Half-page in the tournament program book – $2,500
IN-KIND DONATION IS ALSO WELCOME
In-kind donors will be acknowledged on the event display board, website, and tournament program
Please confirm all corporate sponsorships by May 1 in order to be properly acknowledged in the programs and signs (Caddie Bib Sponsorship to be confirmed by April 23).
TOURNAMENT FEES
FOURSOME: $7,500 for Four Golfers
TWOSOME: $4,000 for Two Golfers
SINGLE: $2,100 per Golfer
• Green fees and complimentary range balls
• Caddie fees
• Use of locker room facilities
• Brunch
• Beverages & refreshments on the course
• Cocktail reception after golf
• Dinner – awards ceremony & silent auction
• Complimentary goodie bag
COCKTAIL RECEPTION & DINNER-ONLY GUEST: $700 per Person
RSVPs for individual golfers must be received via email or phone by May 8, including payment information. The tournament fee will not be refunded after May 10. Once we reach maximum capacity, we may not be able to accommodate additional RSVPs although it is submitted before the deadline.
Contact Jamie Joo for any inquiries or to register.
See details, sponsors, and highlights from the most recent Van Fleet Memorial Golf Tournament.
A look back at more than three decades of the Van Fleet Memorial Golf Tournament. Select any year to view its details.
Proceeds from the Van Fleet Memorial Golf Tournament help sustain the Society’s mission year-round. Make a gift or join as a member to take part in the work.
