The Evolution of the North Korea-Iran Missile Cooperation Network

2026/8/19

Korea Society policy director Jonathan Corrado was quoted in a VOA article about North Korea-Iran cooperation. Corrado said, “A significant shift over the past few years is reshaping the nature of this relationship. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has opened the door to an unprecedented level of military industrial cooperation with North Korea and Iran that goes far beyond simple transfers. Over time, this cooperation has expanded into complex military industrial production networks linking the CRINK (China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea) partners. North Korea’s arms transfers should not be viewed merely as bilateral transactions, but as active participation in the illicit CRINK military production network. What is being exchanged includes not only weapons but also knowledge, personnel, dual-use materials, and production support.”

Arts & Culture

Arts & Culture — The Korea Society
The Korea Society · Arts & Culture

Arts & Culture

The Arts & Culture department is dedicated to promoting the excellence and diversity of Korean and Korean-American professionals across the cultural landscape — from artists and performers to authors and scholars.

Through a wide array of exhibitions and programs, we spotlight the richness of Korean culture and its heritage in the contemporary world: fine arts, literature, popular entertainment, culinary traditions, and more.

About the Department

As global interest in Korean culture grows exponentially, the Arts & Culture department remains committed to supporting artists and creators across media.

Our gallery and event space in New York City serves as a vital hub in the world's cultural capital — attracting diverse visitors and providing a venue for artists and creators to engage directly with American audiences.

Our YouTube channel provides live webcasts and pre-recorded programs that promote recent activities and developments, while remaining an enduring resource for anyone interested in Korean arts and culture.

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Program areas.

Six areas spanning the visual arts, literature, cuisine, media, and the performing arts.

Art & Artist

Program Area

Art & Artist

Contemporary Korea

Program Area

Contemporary Korea

Cuisine

Program Area

Cuisine

Literature

Program Area

Literature

Media & Performing Arts

Program Area

Media & Performing Arts

Y. T. Hwang Family Foundation Series

Program Area

Y. T. Hwang Family Foundation Series

Our Commitment

Spotlighting the richness of Korean culture and its heritage in the contemporary world — in fine arts, literature, popular entertainment, culinary traditions, and more.

Digital

Watch on YouTube.

Live webcasts and pre-recorded programs — an enduring resource for anyone interested in Korean arts and culture.

Visit our channel →

The Korea Society policy director Jonathan Corrado
featured in CBC Interview

8/17/2026

Korea Society policy director Jonathan Corrado was featured in a recent CBC Interview about US President Donald Trump’s decision to halt military exercises and offer an olive branch to North Korea.

The Korea Society Hosts Inaugural Kim Koo Leadership Development Seminar 

On Friday, August 14, The Korea Society hosted the inaugural Kim Koo Leadership Development Seminar. This exclusive program convened 18 distinguished professionals from the corporate, financial, policy, academic, and civil society sectors for training modules led by world-class instructors on strategic communications, networking, and artificial intelligence. 

The seminar empowered Fellows with the professional tools, network, and public-spirited vision needed to drive positive change in the U.S.-Korea relationship. It was made possible by the generous support of The Kim Koo Foundation and built upon the decade-long success of The Kim Koo Professional Series


In the session titled, Communication, Networking, and Leadership, Fellows engaged in experiential training focused on refining leadership styles and strategies, building frameworks for impactful networking, and developing tools for effective cross-cultural communication. The session was led by Stuart Luth, a Consultant & Coach at Templar Advisors with more than two decades of executive advisory experience following a career on Wall Street managing relations with Fortune 500 corporate clients.

In the Leadership Dialogue over Lunch, Fellows gathered for an interactive discussion examining the critical challenges and emerging opportunities defining the future of U.S.-Korea relations. Facilitated by Dr. Abraham Kim, President & CEO of The Korea Society, and Ambassador (Ret.) Philip Goldberg, former U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Korea (2022–2025), the luncheon explored how leaders can leverage cross-sector knowledge sharing and strategic collaboration to navigate these pivotal issues. 

In the session titled, Harnessing and Managing Artificial Intelligence, Fellows gained practical tools to understand and leverage agentic artificial intelligence, inform management practices, and strengthen executive-level decision-making across tactical, strategic, and future-facing perspectives. The session was led by Dr. Ilan Lobel, a multi-award-winning Professor of Technology, Operations and Statistics at New York University’s Stern School of Business, Director of Stern’s Technology and Entrepreneurship MBA Program, and a frequent AI consultant for Fortune 100 executives. 

We are grateful to our speakers, Fellows, and The Kim Koo Foundation for making this inaugural seminar a success. We look forward to cultivating a lasting coalition of visionary leaders. If you are interested in participating in a future cohort, please email policy@koreasociety.org. Preference is given to Korea Society corporate and individual members. 

Northeast Asia Situation Report: NYC Salon Readout

A group of policy professionals from academia, industry, finance, civil society, and the United Nations gathered in New York City for The Northeast Asia Situation Report, a salon-style discussion focused on the complex intersection of PRC-U.S.-Taiwan, U.S.-ROK-PRC, and Japan–ROK relations.

The session was co-hosted by The Korea Society’s Jonathan Corrado and Chelsie Alexandre, Temple University Japan’s Robert Dujarric, and Park Strategies’ Sean King.  

The discussion analyzed how regional actors are navigating an increasingly fraught geopolitical competition, forecast trends and trajectories, and generated consensus around near-future challenges and opportunities. 

The Korea Society Honors Korean War Veterans at Long Island Armistice Day Commemoration

On July 10, Chelsie Alexandre, Policy Program Officer at The Korea Society, attended an Armistice Day commemoration representing President and CEO Abraham Kim. The ceremony was co-hosted by the Central Long Island Chapter of the Korean War Veterans and the Long Island State Veterans Home.

The event commemorated two major historical milestones: the 76th anniversary of the start of the Korean War and the 73rd anniversary of the Armistice Agreement.

The ceremony featured moving speeches from the NYC ROK Consul General, local civic leaders, and representatives from church communities, each reflecting on the bravery of veterans and the enduring strength of the U.S.–ROK alliance. Attendees gathered to pay tribute to the Korean War veterans residing at the facility and across the region, recognizing their profound sacrifices in defense of peace and freedom. The gathering underscored the strong bond between local civic, faith-based, and veteran organizations, all united in preserving the memory and legacy of the “Forgotten War.”

It was a privilege for The Korea Society to participate in this gathering, reaffirming our ongoing dedication to honoring our veterans and deepening shared historical ties.

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

Event Recap

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

Connecting Leaders,  Strengthening the US-Korea Alliance

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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.

This War-era Humanitarian Rescue Story Undercuts North Korean Propaganda

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.