2025 Annual Dinner

Posted on October 23, 2025June 22, 2026 by admin

On October 23, The Korea Society welcomed guests to The Plaza Hotel in New York City for the 2025 Annual Dinner, a premier gathering of leaders and supporters who share The Korea Society’s commitment to strengthening U.S.-Korea relations. Board Chair Ambassador Kathleen Stephens and President & CEO Thomas J. Byrne welcomed our guests to the evening’s program. Emmy Award–winning journalist Vivian Lee returned as Master of Ceremonies, and guests enjoyed a special live performance by singer-songwriter and actor Kevin Woo. Thanks to the generosity of attendees, the event raised meaningful support for The Korea Society’s Undergraduate Korea Study Abroad Grant.

VAN FLEET AWARD CEREMONY

The Korea Society presented its highest honor, the General James A. Van Fleet Award, to Dr. Chang, In Hwa, CEO of POSCO Holdings, and the Congressional Study Group on Korea (CSGK) of the U.S. Association of Former Members of Congress (FMC), recognizing their exceptional efforts in strengthening political and economic ties between the United States and Korea.

In his remarks, Dr. Chang dedicated the award to his uncle, the first prisoner of war to escape from North Korea, whose story of perseverance he sees reflected in the U.S.–Korea relationship. He also shared his vision for POSCO’s “K-ambitions,” aimed at advancing future-oriented growth in partnership with American industries.

Representing the CSGK, the Hon. Dennis Ross, FMC Vice President and former U.S. Congressman, highlighted the group’s expansion and its vital role in deepening U.S.–Korea understanding through sustained personal and professional exchanges. He invoked the legacy of General James A. Van Fleet—his “neighbor,” having once lived in the congressional district Ross would later represent—as a lasting source of inspiration.

GUEST SPEAKERS

Her Excellency Kang Kyung-wha, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to the United States delivered virtual remarks. Ambassador Kang reflected on the enduring strength of the U.S.–Korea alliance and highlighted ongoing opportunities for closer collaboration in diplomacy, security, and economic partnership. She expressed optimism for the future, guided by the shared commitment to peace and prosperity.

U.S. Senator Andy Kim of New Jersey also shared virtual remarks, underscoring the resilience of the U.S.–Korea alliance and reaffirming the shared democratic values that continue to anchor cooperation between the two nations. He emphasized the importance of sustained engagement and people-to-people connections in shaping the future of the bilateral relationship.

PERFORMANCE




Kevin Woo
Actor, singer-songwriter, and producer

MASTER OF CEREMONIES




Vivian Lee
TV journalist & Correspondent Asian American Life

The Plaza
Fifth Avenue at Central Park South
New York City

Reception 6:00 PM | Dinner 7:00 PM

Black Tie, Traditional Attire

AwardeesGUEST SPEAKERSPERFORMANCEMaster of CeremoniesTable Sponsorship and Individual TicketSUPPORTERS

Accepted b
Dr. Chang, In Hwa
Chief Executive Officer
POSCO Holdings

Dr. Chang In Hwa was appointed Chief Executive Officer of POSCO Holdings in March 2024. Dr. Chang’s life career at POSCO Group began in 1988 when he joined the Research Institute of Industrial Science & Technology (RIST) as a researcher. After rising through the ranks at RIST, he transitioned to POSCO in 2011 to assume more prominent roles is business operations. To manage the business of steelmaking, he advanced through diverse leadership roles in business development, marketing, R&D and production. After holding key positions at POSCO, i.e., COO, CTO, he took a brief break from the frontlines in 2021 by serving as Executive Advisor. Currently, he also chairs notable external organizations, such as the Korea-Australia Business Council (KABC) and the Korea Iron & Steel Association (KOSA).

Throughout over 30 years of his professional career at POSCO Group, Dr. Chang has built robust technical expertise, wealth of business experience and deep insight into the steel industry. Interdisciplinary knowledge combined with operational leadership has helped to drive exceptional enhancements across production processes, marketing, finance and research. He is revered for his communication skills and close attention paid to staff.

Dr. Chang holds a Ph.D. in Ocean Engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Prior to the terminal degree, he obtained his M.S. (1979) and B.S. (1981) degrees in Naval Architecture & Ocean Engineering from Seoul National University (SNU) in Korea. Despite daunting schedules, Dr. Chang keeps a regular daily exercise routine and enjoys reading non-fiction science and engineering publications. He is married with 2 grown children, a son and a daughter.

Accepted by
Congressional Study Group on Korea
Part of the U.S. Association of
Former Members of Congress (FMC)

The Congressional Study Group on Korea (CSGK) was formed in 2018 to better showcase the economic and security partnership between the United States and the Republic of Korea. CSGK’s Capitol Hill programs and Study Tours create a unique opportunity to bring the history, culture, economic realities, politics and security concerns of our ROK ally to the Congressional Family. An annual highlight of the CSGK’s programming is a Study Tour to South Korea with a bipartisan delegation for Members of Congress that offers a deep dive into the key issues facing the bilateral relationship.

H.E. Kang, Kyung-wha
Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to the United States

Her Excellency 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.

Hon. Andy Kim
U.S. Senator for New Jersey

Andy Kim is a life-long public servant who is proud to represent the state where he grew up, and that gave his family a chance at the American Dream, in the United States Senate.

Senator Kim represented his home community in the U.S. House of Representatives for three terms, representing parts of Burlington, Ocean, Mercer, and Monmouth Counties. During that time, Kim focused on strengthening America’s national security and standing up for our servicemembers, veterans, and their families as a member of the House Armed Services and House Foreign Affairs Committees. He also was an outspoken advocate for New Jersey’s entrepreneurs as a member of the House Small Business Committee. Kim also worked to address big challenges on the Select Committee on the Coronavirus Crisis and the Select Committee on the Strategic Competition between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party.

Before being elected to represent New Jersey’s 3rd Congressional District, Senator Kim worked as a career public servant under both Democrats and Republicans, having served at USAID, the Pentagon, the State Department, the White House National Security Council, and in Afghanistan as an advisor to Generals Petraeus and Allen.

In the United States Senate, Senator Kim is committed to building a better future for his two little boys and generations to come. He is focused on combating corruption and ensuring our democracy is reflective of all American voices, on building an economy where everyone can afford to provide a better future for the next generation, and in making America more secure by growing our competitiveness.

Senator Kim is a proud husband, and father to a seven and nine-year old. 2024 marks 50 years since Senator-elect Kim’s parents immigrated from South Korea. He is proud to be the first Korean American elected to the United States Senate and New Jersey’s first Asian American senator.

Kevin Woo
Actor, singer-songwriter, and producer

Kevin Woo is a Korean American actor, singer-songwriter, and producer recognized worldwide as the main vocalist of the renowned K-pop group U-KISS. For more than a decade, he has toured internationally and contributed to multiple chart-topping releases, earning a global fanbase. On stage, Kevin starred in the Broadway musical ‘KPOP’, and on screen, he brought his voice to Netflix’s hit animated feature ‘KPop Demon Hunters’ as a member of the Saja Boys. He will soon appear in Anderson .Paak’s anticipated directorial debut film ‘K-POPS!’, continuing his trailblazing role in bridging Korean and American pop culture.

Vivian Lee
TV journalist & Correspondent
Asian American Life

Vivian Lee (she/her) 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 o. 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. She was on the ground reporting for New Yorkers on the devastation and recovery from Hurricane Sandy, and on Pope Francis’ historic election in Rome.

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.

Vivian’s career in New York started at WNBC Newschannel 4 in 2002, where she was a general assignment reporter. Prior to that she was CityTV Toronto’s parliamentary correspondent and federal affairs reporter in Ottawa, Canada.

She began reporting while completing her journalism degree at Carleton University in Ottawa, Canada. Vivian has reported for ATV-ASN News Halifax, and A Channel Calgary, where she also co-anchored the award-winning “A Channel News@Night.”

Vivian currently serves as co-chair of KoreanAmericanStory.org and lives in New York with her husband and two daughters.

DOWNLOAD REGISTRATION FORM

DINNER COMMITTEE

LEADER – $150,000
• Recognition from the podium as Dinner Committee
• 10 guests for VIP reception and premium dinner seating
• 10 guests for general reception and preferred dinner seating
• Full-page acknowledgment; corporate profile with photo and bio of corporate representative in the dinner program book

BENEFACTOR – $50,000
• Recognition from the podium as Dinner Committee
• 10 guests for VIP reception and priority dinner seating
• Full-page acknowledgment; corporate profile with photo and bio of corporate representative in the dinner program book

PATRON – $30,000
• Recognition from the podium as Dinner Committee
• 4 guests for VIP reception; 6 guests for general reception, all with preferred dinner seating
• Full-page acknowledgment; corporate profile with photo and bio of corporate representative in the dinner program book

TABLE SPONSORSHIP

SPONSORS – $20,000
• 2 guests for VIP reception; 8 guests for general reception, all with standard dinner seating
• Half-page acknowledgment; corporate profile with photo of corporate representative in the dinner program book

DONOR – $15,000
• 10 guests for general reception and standard dinner seating
• Half-page acknowledgment; corporate profile in the dinner program book

ALL TABLE SUPPORT BENEFITS INCLUDE:
• Recognition by level on event webpage, promotional emails, social media, and a large screen aside the stage in the event room.
• Year-round recognition in the Korea Society’s Annual Report

INDIVIDUAL SUPPORT AND TICKETS

PATRON COUPLE – $6,000
• 2 tickets for VIP reception and preferred dinner seating
• Acknowledgement on our website and in the dinner program book

PATRON – $3,500
• 1 ticket for VIP reception and preferred dinner seating
• Acknowledgement on our website and in the dinner program book

CONTRIBUTOR – $1,000
• 1 ticket for general reception and dinner

Tickets

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Full-page in the dinner program book – $10,000
Half-page in the dinner program book – $6,000

Table Sponsorship and Individual Patron ticket registrations must be confirmed by October 3, 2025 to be acknowledged in the dinner program. Cancellations after October 10, 2025 will not be accepted.

The Korea Society is a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) organization. Contributions are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law.

For further information on sponsorship opportunities or to purchase tickets, please contact Jamie Joo at jamie.joo@koreasociety.org or at (646) 439-4009.

2025 Annual Dinner Sponsors
(as of October 10, 2025)

Chair



Benefactor









Patron





Sponsor



Donor























Additional Supporter





Cynthia and Anthony Kim





In-Kind Donor



Special Acknowledgement

Christopher Koo Chairman of the Board LS Corp.

David Bang CEO LX Pantos Americas



General (Ret.) Skip and Joanne Sharp Former Commander of the United Nations Command, ROK-US Combined Forces Command, and U.S Forces Korea

2024 Annual Dinner

Posted on September 30, 2024May 25, 2026 by

We invite you to join the 2024 Annual Dinner on Monday, September 30th at The Plaza Hotel. The Annual Dinner is The Korea Society’s flagship event of the year, in which we bring together those who share the Society’s mission of strengthening friendship between the peoples of the United States and Korea. Yoon Soo (Gene) Yoon, Chairman of the Board at FILA Holdings Corp. & Acushnet Holdings Corp, and Seri Pak, South Korea’s legendary former professional golf player, will receive the Society’s prestigious General James A. Van Fleet Award for their outstanding lifetime contributions to the deepening of ties between the United States and Korea through sports.

VAN FLEET AWARD HONOREES




	Yoon Soo (Gene) Yoon		Seri Pak
	Chairman of the Board		CO-CEO of BAZ International
	FILA Holdings Corp. & Acushnet Holdings Corp.		Chairman of SERI PAK Hope Foundation

The Plaza
Fifth Avenue at Central Park South
New York City

Reception 6:00 PM | Dinner 7:00 PM

Black Tie, Traditional Attire

AwardeesSPECIAL REMARKSVIRTUAL REMARKSPERFORMANCEMaster of CeremoniesTable Sponsorship and Individual TicketSUPPORTERS

Accepted b
Yoon Soo (Gene) Yoon
Chairman of the Board
FILA Holdings Corp. & Acushnet Holdings Corp.

Gene Yoon, also known in Korean as Yoon Soo Yoon, is the Chairman of the Board of Italian sportswear company FILA Holdings Corp. and American golf product company Acushnet Holdings Corp., which owns the Titleist and FootJoy trademarks. He is widely credited with not only introducing FILA to the Korean market in 1991, but also restoring its global popularity, having acquired the global brand trademark in 2007 and reintroduced ‘90s classics like the Disruptor sneaker as vintage-inspired FILA designs have been a hit with younger generations.

Before establishing himself as a businessman in his home country of South Korea, Gene Yoon’s studies took him from Seoul High School to Hankuk University of Foreign Studies, where he majored in political science and diplomacy. His career began in earnest in 1973 with a stint at Korea Shipping Corp., before he joined JCPenney as a Korea-based distributor in 1975 and then took on the position of export director for international trading and shoe company Hwaseung Co. in the early ‘80s.

Gene Yoon’s FILA journey started in 1991 when he led the brand’s entry into South Korea with the foundation of FILA Korea, which grew into the role of global cornerstone for FILA Group. In 2005, it achieved management independence before taking over the global FILA business in 2007.

Accepted by
Seri Pak
CO-CEO of BAZ International
Chairman of SERI PAK Hope Foundation

In 1998, during the IMF crisis when South Koreans were struggling, she won a dramatic victory at the US Women’s Open, a major event of the LPGA, with her ‘miracle barefoot shot’, providing courage, hope and comfort to the nation.

Until her retirement, she achieved a total of 25 victories on the LPGA Tour, including 5 major wins, and was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 2007. Inspired by her success in the US, young Korean female golfers, known as “Seri Kids,” began their careers, subsequently raising the profile of Korean women’s golf on the LPGA Tour.

In 2016, as the coach of the women’s golf team at the Rio de Janeiro Olympics, held for the first time in 116 years, she led the team to a gold medal, once again moving the nation.

In 2020, Seri Pak received the Bob Jones Award from the USGA, which is considered the Nobel Prize in golf, for her contributions to the sport. This award placed her alongside golf legends like Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus, as well as former US President George H. W. Bush, who made significant contributions to golf.

In 2024, Seri Pak became the first Korean player to host an LPGA Tour event named after her, the “FIR HILLS SERI PAK Championship,” providing a new tournament for many golfers around the world to experience.

Additionally, Seri Pak was selected by the American economic magazine “Business Insider” as one of the 36 symbolic figures who contributed to the development of women’s sports globally, being the only Asian player on the list. After retirement, she has been active as a businesswoman, promoting the popularization of golf and the development of the sports industry through golf and sports marketing. Through the Seri Pak Hope Foundation, she annually hosts junior golf tournaments in the US and Korea, nurturing junior golfers. Domestically, she is active as a businesswoman, entertainer, and commentator, leading the way in promoting “K-Golf” beyond K-pop, K-beauty, and K-food.

Accepted b
Kyung-wha Kang
President and Chief Executive Officer
Asia Society

Minister of Foreign Affairs of The Republic of Korea (2017-2021)

Minister Kyung-wha Kang is President and Chief Executive Officer of Asia Society.

Minister Kang served as the first female Minister of Foreign Affairs of South Korea, from 2017 to 2021. She is a veteran diplomat in the Korean Foreign Ministry and the United Nations, holding positions in Seoul, New York, and Geneva.Prior to her appointment as Minister of Foreign Affairs, she served as Senior Advisor on Policy to UN Secretary-General António Guterres, as well as Chief of his Transition Team. Minister Kang also served as Assistant Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs from April 2013 to October 2016, and was Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights from January 2007 to March 2013. Her roles in the UN marked the highest positions held in an international organization by a Korean woman.

Before entering the United Nations, Minister Kang was Director General of International Organizations in the Republic of Korea’s Ministry for Foreign Affairs and Trade, becoming the second female Korean diplomat to serve at the director level. She was a Minister in Korea’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations from 2001 to 2005, during which period she chaired the Commission on the Status of Women. Prior to joining the Foreign Ministry in 1998, Minister Kang assisted the Speaker of the National Assembly in the fields of women’s advancement and parliamentary diplomacy. Earlier in her career, she worked for the Korean Broadcasting System’s news bureau and international radio bureau, and lectured in universities both in Korea and in the United States.

Minister Kang graduated from Yonsei University and has an M.A. in mass communication and a Ph.D. in intercultural communication from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. She is currently a distinguished professor at the Institute for Global Engagement and Empowerment at Yonsei University in Seoul. She is also a trustee of several Korean and international non-governmental organizations.

Accepted by
Mollie Marcoux Samaan
Commissioner
LPGA

Mollie Marcoux Samaan is the ninth commissioner in the history of the LPGA. A native of upstate New York and a two-sport athlete and cum laude graduate of Princeton University, Marcoux Samaan spent 19 years with Chelsea Piers Management, becoming the executive vice president of its 400,000-square-foot multi-venue complex in Connecticut.

In 2014, Marcoux Samaan was recruited back to her alma mater where she became Princeton’s Ford Family Director of Athletics. During her tenure, Princeton won 65 Ivy League Championships. And in 2020-2021 she was named Athletics Director of the Year by the National Association of College Directors of Athletics.

With a partner-centered, team approach, the total prize fund across the LPGA Tour, which spans 35 events across 10 countries, now exceeds $125 million for the first time in history, representing a more than 75% increase over her tenure.

She has become a leader for all of women’s sports, assuming the spokeswoman mantel on issues related to equality and inclusion. She is a leading advocate for increasing investments and growing opportunities for women in girls in every field of sports and entertainment.

She and her husband, Andrew Samaan, reside in Florida and are the parents of Maddie, Catie and Drew

Accepted b
The Honorable Andy Kim
Congressman
U.S. Representative
New Jersey
3rd Congressional District

Congressman Andy Kim represents the Third Congressional District of New Jersey. Congressman Kim has dedicated his life to serving the country. He worked as a career public servant under both Democrats and Republicans, having served at USAID, the Pentagon, the State Department, the White House National Security Council, and in Afghanistan as an advisor to Generals Petraeus and Allen.

In the House of Representatives, Congressman Kim is working on an agenda to bring this country together and strengthen its national and economic security. He supports strong measures that boost our economy by investing in small businesses and innovation, creating fairness and opportunities for working families, and honoring America’s promises to military families and veterans.

Congressman Kim and his wife are currently raising two little boys down the street from where he grew up.

Accepted by
The Honorable Marilyn Strickland
Congresswoman
U.S. Representative
Washington
10th Congressional District

Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland represents Washington’s 10th Congressional District, which covers parts of Pierce and Thurston Counties. Born in Seoul, she is the first African-American to represent Washington State at the federal level, and one of the first Korean-American women elected to Congress in its history.

She earned her B.A. from the University of Washington and holds an MBA from Clark Atlanta University. Prior to her election to Congress, Strickland was the President and CEO of the Seattle Metro Chamber of Commerce. She served two terms as mayor of Tacoma from 2010-2017, where she championed education, infrastructure, and job growth. A firm believer that there is dignity in all work, Strickland led successful efforts to raise the minimum wage and pass paid sick leave, paving the way for statewide action. By making education a civic priority, she led efforts to raise Tacoma’s high school graduation rate from 55% to 89%.

In the 118th Congress, Strickland sits on the House Armed Services Committee and the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. She serves as whip for the Congressional Black Caucus and is a member of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, the Bipartisan Historically Black Colleges and Universities Caucus, and the New Democrat Coalition. She is co-chair of the Puget Sound Recovery Caucus and a member of the Pro-choice Caucus.

Congresswoman Strickland resides in the district with her husband Patrick Erwin.

Julia Riew
Composer-lyricist, librettist, and novelist

Julia Riew is a Korean-American composer-lyricist, librettist, and novelist from St. Louis and NYC. She is best known for her viral hit Dive, which is being developed into a stage musical with Tony-Award winning director Diane Paulus and GLAAD-Award winning playwright Diana Son. Other upcoming projects include her musical ENDLESS (dir. by Zi Alikhan, premiering in Seoul, Korea), her YA fantasy novel The Last Tiger (co-written with brother Brad Riew, publishing with Penguin Random House in Aug 2025), and her Middle Grade fantasy novel Shimcheong (publishing with HarperCollins summer 2026). In addition to being the 18th Annual Fred Ebb Award winner, Julia has been Playbill’s Featured Songwriter of the Month, a Woman to Watch on Broadway, a Princess Grace Award Honoraria recipient, and the recipient of the Harvardwood Artist Launch Fellowship.

Julia’s work has been performed at the American Repertory Theater, South Coast Repertory, Joe’s Pub at The Public Theater, 54 Below, Greenroom 42, Summerstock Austin Texas, The Coterie in Kansas City, Harvard University’s Farkas Hall and Agassiz Theater, AMAS Musical Theater, The UNC-Greensboro School of Theater, Nora Theater Company at Central Square Theater, Cipriani Wall Street, The Harvard Art Lab, University of Missouri, The Community Music School of Webster University, John Burroughs High School, and many more.

Julia graduated magna cum laude and a member of Phi Beta Kappa from Harvard University in May 2022. There, Julia co-founded the Harvard College Asian Student Arts Project (ASAP), a club to provide the resources and community for Asian student artists. She co-wrote their first production, a musical called The East Side and later performed as “Paulette” in ASAP’s all-Asian production of Legally Blonde: The Musical, which received national recognition in fall 2021.

Vivian Lee
TV journalist & Correspondent
Asian American Life

Vivian has received numerous awards recognizing her industry and community contributions, including a Telly Award this year, the New York Women’s Foundation’s 2021 “Pillars of Courage” award, and KAFSC’s 2019 Lifetime Engagement Award. A featured speaker on numerous panels and workshops discussing ageism, gender discrimination and Asian American identity.

Vivian currently serves as co-chair of KoreanAmericanStory.org and lives in New York with her husband and two daughters.

DOWNLOAD REGISTRATION FORM

DINNER COMMITTEE

LEADER – $100,000
• Recognition from the podium as Dinner Committee
• 10 guests for VIP reception; 10 guests for general reception
• 10 guests for dinner in premium seating; 10 guests for dinner in preferred seating
• Full-page Acknowledgment; corporate profile with photo and bio of corporate representative in the dinner program book

BENEFACTOR – $50,000
• Recognition from the podium as Dinner Committee
• 10 guests for VIP reception
• 10 guests in priority seating
• Full-page Acknowledgment; corporate profile with photo and bio of corporate representative in the dinner program book

PATRON – $30,000
• Recognition from the podium as Dinner Committee
• 4 guests for VIP reception; 6 guests for general reception
• 10 guests in preferred seating
• Full-page Acknowledgment; corporate profile with photo and bio of corporate representative in the dinner program book

In addition to above benefits, Dinner Committees will receive
• recognition by level on the event webpage, promotional emails, social media, and a large screen aside the stage in the event room.
• Year-round recognition in the Korea Society’s Annual Report

TABLE SPONSORSHIP

SPONSOR – $20,000
• 2 guests for VIP reception; 8 guests for general reception
• 10 guests for dinner
• Half-page Acknowledgment; corporate profile with photo of corporate representative in the dinner program book

DONOR – $15,000
• 10 guests for general reception and dinner
• Half-page Acknowledgment; corporate profile in the dinner program book

ALL SPONSORS BENEFITS INCLUDE:
• Recognition by level on event webpage, promotional emails, social media, and a large screen aside the stage in the event room.
• Year-round recognition in the Korea Society’s Annual Report

INDIVIDUAL SUPPORT AND TICKETS

PATRON COUPLE – $6,000
• 2 tickets for VIP reception and preferred seating
• Acknowledgement on our website and in the dinner program book

PATRON – $3,500
• 1 ticket for VIP reception and preferred seating
• Acknowledgement on our website and in the dinner program book

CONTRIBUTOR – $1,000
• 1 ticket for general reception and dinner

Tickets

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Full-page in the dinner program book – $10,000
Half-page in the dinner program book – $6,000

Table Sponsorship and Individual Patron ticket registrations must be confirmed by September 6, 2024 to be acknowledged in the dinner program. Cancellations after September 10, 2024 will not be accepted.

The Korea Society is a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) organization. Contributions are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law. The non-tax-deductible amount is $450 per ticket.

For further information on sponsorship opportunities or to purchase tickets, please contact Jamie Joo or by phone at (646) 439-4009.

2024 Annual Dinner Sponsors
(as of September 16, 2024)

Chair



Benefactor







Patron



Sponsor







Cynthia and Anthony Kim



Matthew D. and Katherine H. Lee Foundation

Donor

Dr. Ho Youn Kim Chairman of Binggrae Corporation Ltd. Founder of the Kim Koo Foundation

















Special Acknowledgement



Yoonie Kim Director of Business Development Foreign Direct Investment & Economic Development AtkinsRéalis

Theo Kwon Partner Apollo Global Management

Jacob Lee Senior Project Manager Global Commerce Georgia Department of Economic Development

Mark Lundstrom, PhD Chief Semiconductor Officer Purdue University

Paul Namkun Paik Public Relations Manager Hyundai of Paramus

General (Ret.) Skip and Joanne Sharp Former Commander of the United Nations Command, ROK-US Combined Forces Command, and U.S Forces Korea

2023 Annual Dinner

Posted on September 20, 2023May 25, 2026 by

The 2023 Annual Dinner was held on September 20 at The Plaza Hotel in New York City. Celebrating the 70th anniversary of the U.S.-ROK alliance, Korea Society Board Chair Ambassador Kathleen Stephens and Korea Society President and CEO Thomas J. Byrne welcomed all our guests to the gala to kick off the eventful evening. Emmy Award-winning anchor and reporter Vivian Lee expertly navigated us through the gala program as Master of Ceremonies.

KEYNOTE ADDRESS

State of Georgia Governor Brian P. Kemp delivered glowing remarks as keynote speaker. Governor Kemp highlighted Georgia’s commitment to furthering its special relationship and mutual understanding with Korean businesses investing in the state as well as with Korean-Americans who call Georgia home.

VAN FLEET AWARD CEREMONY

This year’s Van Fleet Award Honorees, the Georgia Department of Economic Development and the Korea International Trade Association (KITA), were accepted by Georgia Governor Brian P. Kemp and KITA Chairman Christopher Koo on behalf of the respective organizations. Governor Kemp thanked The Korea Society for recognizing the bright future of Korean investment in Georgia and emphasized the impact of key figures across the Department of Economic Development who work to deepen the partnership of prosperity between the Republic of Korea and Georgia. Chairman Koo thanked the Society for recognizing KITA’s achievements in building trade and industry ties and strengthening friendships while looking forward to taking on the critical challenges that lie ahead.

GUEST SPEAKER

U.S. Representative for California’s 40th Congressional District Young Kim delivered virtual remarks as the evening’s guest speaker. In her remarks, Congresswoman Kim emphasized the importance of the U.S.-ROK alliance to the two nations’ continued economic success as well as peaceful geopolitical ties in the Indo-Pacific.

KEYNOTE SPEAKER

Brian P. Kemp
Governor
State of Georgia

VAN FLEET AWARD HONOREES


	Georgia Department of Economic Development		Korea International Trade Association (KITA)
	Accepted by		Accepted by
	Brian P. Kemp		Christopher Koo
	Governor		Chairman
	State of Georgia		Korea International Trade Association (KITA)

GUEST SPEAKER

Special Virtual Remarks by

Young Kim
Congresswoman
U.S. Representative for California’s 40th Congressional District

MASTER OF CEREMONIES

	Vivian Lee TV Journalist & Correspondent Asian American Life

PERFORMANCE

	I Love Dance

The Plaza
Fifth Avenue at Central Park South
New York City

Reception 6:30 PM | Dinner 7:30 PM

Black Tie, Traditional Attire

AwardeesGuest SpeakerMaster of CeremoniesPERFORMANCETable Sponsorship and Individual TicketSUPPORTERS

Accepted by

Georgia Department of Economic Development

Accepted by
Brian P. Kemp
Governor
State of Georgia

Governor Brian P. Kemp is currently serving his second term as Georgia’s 83rd governor. Throughout the Kemp administration, Georgia has consistently broken economic records with jobs and investment in every corner of the state. Korea has become the state’s largest source of foreign direct investment in recent years, with a mission to Korea as Kemp’s first overseas mission as Governor in 2019. During Kemp’s term, Korean investment in the State of Georgia has increased nearly 600% through state-worked economic development projects alone. Under Kemp’s leadership, Georgia’s commitment to bringing opportunity to all of its citizens has led to a partnership with Korean job creators that is bringing generational investment to hardworking Georgians.

A native of Athens, Georgia, Brian Kemp started his first small business over 35 years ago. His experience as a small business owner has driven his mission as governor to put hardworking Georgians first, and his leadership is yielding historic economic results. Thanks to his decision to reopen first during the COVID-19 pandemic, Georgia’s unemployment rate is at its lowest point in state history, there are more Georgians working than ever before, and Georgia has been named the Top State for Business for an unprecedented nine consecutive years.

Governor Kemp, First Lady Marty Kemp, and their three daughters live on their family farm in Athens and are committed to building a safer, stronger Georgia for all who call the Peach State “home.”

Accepted by

Korea International Trade Association (KITA)

Accepted by
Christopher Koo
Chairman
Korea International Trade Association (KITA)

Christopher Koo is Chairman of Korea International Trade Association (KITA). In his capacity, he oversees the overall trade policies and promotion activities aimed at bolstering the Korean economy. Koo is concurrently Chairman of the Board at the LS Group while serving as Chairman of the Korea-US Economic Council (KUSEC), contributing to enhancing long-standing Korea-U.S. relationship.

Prior to his appointment to this position in February 2021, he dedicated his entire life to the world of business. Koo began his career in 1978 at the Bando Trading (currently LX International) where he held a position at the New York Office (1980-1984) and assumed the role of Regional Director of the Southeast Asian Regional Office in Singapore (1990-1992). He was also the Chief Sales Officer and later became Vice President of Sales (1997-2001) at the LG Investments & Securities (currently NH Investment & Securities). In October 2001, he joined LG Cable (currently LS Cable & System) and served as the Chairman of LS Group (2001-2021). Under his outstanding leadership, LS Group successfully transformed itself into the world’s 3rd largest wire and cable manufacturer.

As a former Chairman of Korea Cycling Federation (2015-2022), Mr. Koo is a renown cycling enthusiast and the first Asian cyclist to complete the Trans Alps Challenge. He is also a former Chairman of Korea Invention Promotion Association (2014-2021) and incumbent Chairman of Korea International Art Fair (Kiaf Seoul) Organizing Committee with tremendous contribution to the development of art, culture and science in Korea.

Known as a highly recognized business leader, he was honored with Korea’s Most Admired Executive Award in 2015 and Gold Order of Industrial Service Merit in 2009 for his unrivalled meritorious service in the growth of domestic industry.

Christopher Koo earned his B.A. in Business Administration from Korea University and completed degree coursework at London Business School. In 2023, he received an Honorary Ph. D. in Philosophy from Korea University.

Young Kim
Congresswoman
U.S. Representative for California’s 40th Congressional District

Representative Young Kim is proud to represent California’s 40th District, which includes parts of Orange, San Bernardino and Riverside counties, in the U.S. House of Representatives. An immigrant, small business owner, community leader, former California Assemblywoman, mother, and grandmother, Young is proud to be one of the first Korean American women ever to serve in Congress and is fighting to help all Americans have the chance to achieve their dream just like she did.

In the House of Representatives, Young serves on the House Foreign Affairs Committee – where she serves as Chairwoman of the Indo-Pacific Subcommittee and as a member of the Africa Subcommittee – and on the House Financial Services Committee – where she serves as Vice Chairwoman of the Subcommittee on National Security, Illicit Finance, and International Financial Institutions and as a member of the Financial Institutions and Monetary Policy Subcommittee. Young also serves as co-chair of the Women in STEM Caucus, the Financial Literacy and Wealth Creation Caucus, and the Maternity Care Caucus.

In her first term, Young had nearly 30 bills pass out of the House of Representatives and more than a dozen signed into law. Her record was ranked among the most effective of members of Congress according to the Center for Effective Lawmaking, the Common Ground Committee, the Lugar Center and McCourt School of Public Policy at Georgetown University, and data by Quorum Analytics. She also received the Bipartisan Policy Center’s Legislative Action Award.

Young and her husband Charles live in Anaheim Hills in CA-40 and are the proud parents of Christine, Kelly, Alvin and Hannah and grandparents of Mia and Caleb.

Vivian Lee
TV journalist & Correspondent
Asian American Life

Vivian Lee (she/her) is an Emmy-winning TV journalist, public speaker, moderator and director/producer in New York. She is currently a correspondent with Asian American Life, a production of CUNY-TV. Vivian also co-hosts a podcast called The 5 Of Us that examines issues affecting women who work. Before that she was an anchor, show host, and reporter for Spectrum News NY1.

During her 12 years at NY1, she covered numerous stories of national and international importance, including live, continuous coverage of the COVID pandemic, Black Lives Matter protests, and Joe Biden’s 2020 election win; Donald Trump’s 2016 election campaign, Hurricane Sandy’s devastation of the city’s coastal communities, and Pope Francis’ election from Vatican City. Vivian was the first reporter from New York City to report Francis’ election live from St. Peter’s Square.

Vivian also hosted Spotlight New York, a weekly magazine show exploring the creative landscape of the five boroughs of NYC, its arts and cultural institutions, and up-and-coming performers as well as legacy artists. Her work was recognized in 2020 with an Emmy Award for her story on Manhattan’s famed Joe’s Pub.

Vivian’s career in New York started at WNBC in 2002, where she was a general assignment reporter covering local politics, transit, healthcare and education issues. Prior to that she was CityTV Toronto’s parliamentary correspondent and federal affairs reporter in Ottawa, Canada.

Vivian began reporting while completing her journalism degree at Carleton University in Ottawa, with stints at CJOH-TV Ottawa, ATV-ASN News Halifax, and A Channel Calgary, where she co-anchored the award-winning weeknight evening news show “A Channel News@Night.”

Vivian has received numerous awards recognizing her industry and community contributions, including the New York Women’s Foundation’s 2021 “Pillars of Courage” award, shared with four of her former NY1 colleagues. She also received KAFSC’s 2019 Lifetime Engagement Award. A featured speaker on numerous panels and workshops discussing ageism, gender discrimination and Asian American identity,

Vivian currently serves as co-chair of KoreanAmericanStory.org and lives in New York with her husband and two daughters.

I LOVE DANCE

I LOVE DANCE (ILD) was launched in 2006 by MJ Choi. Since its founding, it has evolved to galvanize K-POP culture in the greater NYC area. Today, it provides K-POP Dance Classes in Manhattan, Flushing, and Fort Lee NJ (Soon to open its 4th location in Long Island) where classes are filled with a fun-loving, diverse group of K-POP fans that share a very special bond.

A truly unique characteristic of I LOVE DANCE is that despite its predominant K-POP focus, more than 90% of its members are non-Korean. Students of various backgrounds meet not only to learn dance, but also to socialize and embrace each other’s uniqueness. Truly, this has been a testament to the growing popularity of the K-POP culture, as well as the unifying characteristic of dance as an art form.

Currently, I LOVE DANCE hosts about 1000 members enrolled in dance classes each month. Beyond offering top notch Dance Classes, I LOVE DANCE produces professional K-POP Cover Videos (~50 Million aggregate views to date on YouTube), organizes Flash Mobs, offers dance performances and workshops (Lincoln Center, Met Museum, AMNH Museum, Google, Samsung, Twitch, Etsy, Cigna), hosts auditions in collaboration with major Entertainment companies (YG, JYP, FNC, BigHit, Pledis, Hybe), and works to serve as an ambassador to spread K-POP culture in the US.

DOWNLOAD REGISTRATION FORM

DINNER COMMITTEE

TABLE SPONSORSHIP

DONOR – $15,000
• 10 guests for general reception and dinner
• Half-page Acknowledgment; corporate profile in the dinner program book

INDIVIDUAL SUPPORT AND TICKETS

PATRON COUPLE – $6,000
• 2 tickets for VIP reception and preferred seating
• Acknowledgement on our website and in the dinner program book

PATRON – $3,500
• 1 ticket for VIP reception and preferred seating
• Acknowledgement on our website and in the dinner program book

CONTRIBUTOR – $1,000
• 1 ticket for general reception and dinner

Tickets

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Full-page in the dinner program book – $10,000
Half-page in the dinner program book – $6,000

Table Sponsorship and Individual Patron ticket registrations must be confirmed by August 30, 2023 to be acknowledged in the dinner program. Cancellations after September 8, 2023 will not be accepted.

The Korea Society is a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) organization. Contributions are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law.

For further information on sponsorship opportunities or to purchase tickets, please contact Jamie Joo or by phone at (646) 439-4009.

2023 Annual Dinner Sponsors
(as of August 21, 2023)

Chair



Benefactor











Patron





Sponsor











Donor





Dr. Ho Youn Kim Chairman of Binggrae Corporation Ltd. Founder of the Kim Koo Foundation

Additional Supporter

Cynthia & Anthony Kim



In-Kind Donor



Special Acknowledgement

Young H.T. Cho Chairman of Donghwa Cultural Foundation and SWPK Art Gallery President of Anthrop-J Investment Group, LLC

Henry Do President & CEO POSCO America Corp. (POSAM)

Francis Kang Head of Conference at Korea Blockchain Week FactBlock

Athar Khan Director of International Specialty Sales Delta Air Lines

Jae Kim President – Southeast U.S. Korean Chamber of Commerce Senior Manager, Korea-U.S. Leader – Aprio, LLP

Mark Lippert Senior Advisor, Korea Chair, CSIS Former U.S. Ambassador to ROK

General (Ret) Skip and Joanne Sharp Former Commander of the United Nations Command, ROK-US Combined Forces Command, and U.S Forces Korea

Jeong Joon Yu Vice Chairman and Head of US Government & Corporate Affairs SK Group

The Korea Society’s 65th Anniversary Dinner

Posted on September 22, 2022May 25, 2026 by

The Annual Dinner on September 22nd was a wonderful celebration of The Korea Society’s 65th Anniversary. It brought together a community which values the multifaceted bonds between the Korean and American people. Korea Society Board Chair Ambassador Kathleen Stephens and Korea Society President and CEO Thomas J. Byrne welcomed all our guests to the gala. Emmy Award winning anchor and reporter Vivian Lee skillfully moved us through the gala program as Master of Ceremonies.

Van Fleet Award Ceremony

The Society was truly honored to recognize the Poongsan Group and Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) as its prestigious Van Fleet Award recipients for 2022, in recognition of their extraordinary contributions to enhancing the U.S.-Korea relationship. Chairman and CEO of Poongsan Group Jin Roy Ryu and President and CEO of CSIS John Hamre personify the depth of commitment to the relationship that General James A. Van Fleet had in mind when he started The Korea Society in New York City in 1957; Chairman Ryu and President Hamre accepted the award on the behalf of their respective organizations.

Special Remarks

The Honorable George W. Bush, 43rd President of the United States, made a surprise appearance. His keynote address underscored the importance to the U.S. of fostering close ties with South Korea and he expressed his deep affection and admiration for Chairman Roy Ryu and President John Hamre.

Musical Performance

Grammy and American Music Award winner Kenny G’s jazz saxophone performance livened up the evening.

VAN FLEET AWARD HONOREES


	Poongsan Group		Center for Strategic & International Studies (CSIS)

	Accepted by		Accepted by
	Jin Roy Ryu		John J. Hamre
	Chairman and CEO Poongsan Group		President & CEO and Langone Chair
			in American Leadership
			CSIS

The Plaza
Fifth Avenue at Central Park South
New York City

Reception 6:30 PM | Dinner 7:30 PM

Business or Cocktail Attire

PERFORMANCE



	Kenny G Saxophonist

MASTER OF CEREMONIES



	Vivian Lee TV journalist & Correspondent Asian American Life

AwardeesPERFORMANCEMaster of CeremoniesTable Sponsorship and Individual TicketSUPPORTERS

Accepted b

y
Poongsan Group

Accepted by
Jin Roy Ryu
Chairman and CEO
Poongsan Group

In 2001, Mr. Jin Roy Ryu succeeded his late father and founder of Poongsan Group, one of the largest manufacturers of copper products and munitions worldwide, as Chairman and CEO. He has also served and continues to serve as a Trustee of the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) and Vice President of the Seoul Forum for International Affairs (SFIA).

Mr. Ryu supports a number of philanthropic and educational organizations as a member of the Board of Trustees of the George & Barbara Bush Foundation and the Board of Governors of the PGA Tour’s First Tee Program. In 2015, Mr. Ryu collaborated with the PGA Tour to host the President’s Cup Golf Tournament in Korea and chaired the Tournament Organizing Committee. Domestically, he serves as the Chairman of the Board of Trustees for the Pearl S. Buck Foundation and the Seoae Memorial Foundation which was established in honor of his grandfather thirteen generations prior, the most celebrated Confucian scholar and statesman of sixteenth century Korea.

In 2005, the Korean Government awarded Mr. Ryu the Order of Industrial Merit, the Gold Tower Award. In 2012, Mr. Ryu received the Order of Civil Merit, the Moran (Peony) Medal for his distinguished service and steadfast efforts to enhance Korea’s visibility and participation in the global community.

Mr. Ryu remains actively connected to his alma mater, Seoul National University, and co-chairs the University’s Social Responsibility and Contribution Committee.

Accepted by

Center for Strategic & International Studies (CSIS)

Accepted by
John J. Hamre
President & CEO, and Langone Chair in American Leadership
CSIS

John Hamre was elected president and CEO of CSIS in January 2000. Before joining CSIS, he served as the 26th U.S. deputy secretary of defense. Prior to holding that post, he was the under secretary of defense (comptroller) from 1993 to 1997. As comptroller, Dr. Hamre was the principal assistant to the secretary of defense for the preparation, presentation, and execution of the defense budget and management improvement programs. In 2007, Secretary of Defense Robert Gates appointed Dr. Hamre to serve as chairman of the Defense Policy Board, and he served in that capacity for four secretaries of defense.

Before serving in the Department of Defense, Dr. Hamre worked for 10 years as a professional staff member of the Senate Armed Services Committee. During that time, he was primarily responsible for the oversight and evaluation of procurement, research, and development programs, defense budget issues, and relations with the Senate Appropriations Committee. From 1978 to 1984, Dr. Hamre served in the Congressional Budget Office, where he became its deputy assistant director for national security and international affairs. In that position, he oversaw analysis and other support for committees in both the House of Representatives and the Senate. Dr. Hamre received his Ph.D., with distinction, in 1978 from the School of Advanced International Studies at Johns Hopkins University in Washington, D.C., where his studies focused on international politics and economics and U.S. foreign policy. In 1972, he received his B.A., with high distinction, from Augustana College in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, emphasizing political science and economics. The following year he studied as a Rockefeller fellow at the Harvard Divinity School in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

Kenny G
Saxophonist

The sound of Kenny G’s saxophone is instantly recognizable. The award-winning saxophonist is one of the best-selling artists of all time, with global sales totaling more than 75-million records and 1.5 billion streams. The jazz icon has also accumulated a staggering 24-award nominations throughout his almost 50-year career and has taken home a Grammy Award, American Music Award, NAACP Award, and two Soul Train Music Awards. His biggest album was 1992’s Breathless – which sold a staggering twelve million copies in the United States alone. In addition, his 1994 Christmas release Miracles: The Holiday Album ranks as one of the most successful holiday albums ever – with sales over eight million copies. Seven of his singles have hit the Top-40 on the Billboard Hot 100, and he has been ranked as one of the most-played artists in the Adult Contemporary format – with nine top ten singles. Kenny G has collaborated with some of the biggest names in the business during his legendary career, ranging from Frank Sinatra, Barbra Streisand, Smokey Robinson, Katy Perry, Weezer, Whitney Houston, Kanye West and The Weeknd among many others. His latest release, New Standards, the title of his 19th studio album, fifth for Concord Records and first since 2015’s Brazilian Nights, could well be used to describe his four-decade body of work, a vision of jazz that helped launch both a musical genre and radio format. After director Penny Lane’s critically acclaimed HBO/MAX documentary, Listening to Kenny G – which humorously reconsiders the purist critical backlash to his music – and a solo performance on Kanye West’s Grammy-winning Jesus Is King album, it’s safe to say that Kenny G’s popularity is still growing strong.

Vivian Lee
TV journalist & Correspondent
Asian American Life

Vivian Lee is an Emmy-winning TV journalist. She is currently a correspondent for the syndicated Asian American Life, a news and lifestyles magazine program produced by and airing on CUNY TV in NYC.

She anchored and reported for NY1 for 13 years on issues of vital local and national interest, including Joe Biden’s 2020 election win, Pope Francis’ historic visit to the US, and Hurricane Sandy. Vivian also hosted an arts and culture show, “Spotlight New York,” focusing on the creative landscape of the five boroughs.

Along with anchoring continuous live coverage of major breaking news stories, she reported for 25 years from the field on breaking news stories of the day.

Vivian’s career in New York started at WNBC in 2002, where she was a general assignment reporter for six years. Before that she was CityTV Toronto’s Parliamentary Correspondent in Canada’s capital, Ottawa. She graduated with honors from Carleton University’s prestigious journalism program, and after stints as a reporter in Halifax and Ottawa, became evening news anchor in Calgary, Alberta. Before covering national affairs in Ottawa, she filed in as anchor and reported for CityPulse News.

Vivian has received numerous awards recognizing her industry and community contributions, including the 2019 Lifetime Engagement Award from the Korean American Family Service Center in New York, and a 2020 Emmy Award for her story on Joe’s Pub in Manhattan.

Vivian has participated in numerous Korea Society efforts, including emceeing its annual awards dinner and moderating several panels with dignitaries and experts over the years, such as Former UN Assistant Secretary-General Kyung-hwa Kang, Former U.S. Ambassador to the ROK Kathleen Stephens, and Dr. Marie Jhin, author of Asian Beauty Secrets.

She lives in New York with her husband and two daughters.

DOWNLOAD REGISTRATION FORM

DINNER COMMITTEE

LEADER – $100,000
• Recognition from the podium as Dinner Committee
• 10 guests for VIP reception; 10 guests for general reception
• 10 guests for dinner in premium seating; 10 guests for dinner in priority seating
• Full-page ad; corporate profile with photo and bio of corporate representative in the dinner program book

BENEFACTOR – $50,000
• Recognition from the podium as Dinner Committee
• 10 guests for VIP reception
• 10 guests in priority seating
• Full-page ad; corporate profile with photo and bio of corporate representative in the dinner program book

PATRON – $30,000
• Recognition from the podium as Dinner Committee
• 4 guests for VIP reception; 6 guests for general reception
• 10 guests in preferred seating
• Full-page ad; corporate profile with photo and bio of corporate representative in the dinner program book

TABLE SPONSORSHIP

SPONSOR – $20,000
• 2 guests for VIP reception; 8 guests for general reception
• 10 guests for dinner
• Half-page ad; corporate profile with photo of corporate representative in the dinner program book

DONOR – $15,000
• 10 guests for general reception and dinner
• Half-page ad; corporate profile in the dinner program book

INDIVIDUAL SUPPORT AND TICKETS

PATRON COUPLE – $6,000
• 2 tickets for VIP reception and preferred seating
• Acknowledgement on our website and in the dinner program book

PATRON – $3,500
• 1 ticket for VIP reception and preferred seating
• Acknowledgement on our website and in the dinner program book

CONTRIBUTOR – $1,000
• 1 ticket for general reception and dinner

Tickets

ADVERTISEMENT

Full-page in the dinner program book – $10,000
Half-page in the dinner program book – $6,000

Table Sponsorship and Individual Patron ticket registrations must be confirmed by September 1, 2022 to be acknowledged in the dinner program. Cancellations after September 9, 2022 will not be accepted.

The Korea Society is a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) organization. Contributions are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law.

For further information on sponsorship opportunities or to purchase tickets, please contact Yun Park or by phone at (212) 759-7611.

65th Anniversary Dinner Sponsors
(as of September 9, 2022)

Chair



Benefactor











Patron

Dr. David Steel



Sponsor



















Hajin Lee & Michael Chung

Donor



Dr.Ho Youn Kim Chairman of Binggrae Corporation Ltd. Founder of the Kim Koo Foundation








Additional Supporter

Alex Chi







In-Kind Contribution



Special Acknowledgement

Young H.T. Cho Chairman of Donghwa Cultural Foundation and SWPK Art Gallery President of Anthrop-J Investment Group, LLC

Henry Do President & CEO POSCO America Corp. (POSAM)

Thomas Holt, Jr. Chairman Holt Logistics Corp

Cynthia & Anthony Kim

Jae Kim President – Southeast U.S. Korean Chamber of Commerce Senior Manager, Korea-U.S. Leader – Aprio, LLP

John J. Moon & Hee-Jung S. Moon

2021 Annual Dinner

Posted on October 19, 2021May 25, 2026 by

This year’s Annual Dinner, The Korea Society’s premier event of the year, was held on October 19 at The Plaza Hotel in New York City. Korea Society Board Chair Ambassador Kathleen Stephens and Korea Society President and CEO Thomas J. Byrne welcomed all our guests to the gala, an especially meaningful event marking the return to in-person events. Former News Anchor and Reporter Vivian Lee seamlessly navigated gala proceedings as Master of Ceremonies. Here are some highlights from the gala festivities.

KEYNOTE ADDRESS

Deputy Secretary of State Wendy R. Sherman delivered virtual remarks as keynote speaker. Secretary Sherman thanked The Korea Society for its work on promoting the U.S.-Korea friendship and spoke to the depth of the U.S. and Korea’s shared security, economic and cultural values.

VAN FLEET AWARD CEREMONY

This year’s Van Fleet Award Honorees, LG and General Motors, were accepted virtually by Chairman of LG Kwang Mo Koo and Chair and Chief Executive Officer of General Motors Mary T. Barra. In their remarks, both emphasized the value of the LG-GM partnership to both further deepen ties between the U.S. and Korea and tackle future challenges to create a more sustainable future. On behalf of Mr. Koo and Ms. Barra, President & CEO of LG Energy Solution Jonghyun Kim and Senior Vice President and President of GM International Steven Kiefer accepted the Van Fleet Award in-person and delivered brief remarks.

TRIBUTE TO GENERAL COLIN L. POWELL

Poongsan Chairman Roy Ryu gave a stirring tribute to the late Former Secretary of State General Colin L. Powell and spoke of the General’s deep commitment to Korea, exemplified by his receiving the Van Fleet Award in 2010.

SPECIAL REMARKS

Former Secretary of Energy Ernest J. Moniz and Former Secretary of State Madeleine K. Albright delivered special remarks on the successes of the U.S.-Korea relationship over the past seventy years and the need for Seoul and Washington to continue working together to confront future challenges.

MUSICAL PERFORMANCE

Tony-award winning musical guest Ruthie Ann Miles performed a variety of songs, including a new twist on the Korean traditional folk song Arirang.

KEYNOTE SPEAKER

Virtual Keynote Address by

Wendy R. Sherman
Deputy Secretary of State
United States of America

VAN FLEET AWARD HONOREES


General Motors	LG

Virtual Acceptance Speech by	Virtual Acceptance Speech by
Mary T. Barra	Kwang Mo Koo
Chair and Chief Executive Officer General Motors	Chairman LG

GUEST SPEAKERS


Special Virtual Remarks by	Special Remarks by
Madeleine Albright	Ernest J. Moniz
Former U.S. Secretary of State Chair of Albright Stonebridge a member of Dentons Global Advisors Chair of Albright Capital Management	Former Secretary of Energy Founder & CEO, Energy Futures Initiative

MUSICAL PERFORMANCE

Ruthie Ann Miles
Tony Award Winner
Star of the Television Series All Rise

MASTER OF CEREMONIES

Vivian Lee
Former News Anchor and Reporter

The Plaza
Fifth Avenue at Central Park South
New York City

Reception 6:30 PM | Dinner 7:30 PM

Black Tie, Traditional Attire

Contact Yun Park for any inquires.

For press inquiries, please contact Claire Callahan

* We will continue to monitor the safety precautions from New York City and State, as well as CDC guidelines on COVID-19. If we need to make any changes accordingly, we will notify all registered guests as soon as possible.

* Abiding by NYC’s new guidelines, we will require guests 12 and older to show proof that they have received COVID-19 vaccines authorized for emergency use by the FDA or WHO for our event. To register for the event, all guests should be fully vaccinated and submit vaccination proof.

KEYNOTE SPEAKERAwardeesGUEST SPEAKERSMaster of CeremoniesENTERTAINMENTSUPPORT LEVELSSUPPORTERS

Keynote Speaker

Wendy R. Sherman

Deputy Secretary of State

United States of America

Wendy R. Sherman was confirmed by the Senate on April 13, 2021 and sworn in as the 21st and first female Deputy Secretary of State on April 14, 2021.

Prior to assuming this position, Deputy Secretary Sherman was professor of the practice of public leadership and director of the Center for Public Leadership at the Harvard Kennedy School. She was also a Senior Fellow at the School’s Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs, and a Senior Counselor at Albright Stonebridge Group.

From 2011 – 2015, Deputy Secretary Sherman served as Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs, where she traveled to 54 countries and led the U.S. negotiating team that reached agreement on a Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action between the P5+1, the European Union, and Iran for which, among other diplomatic accomplishments, she was awarded the National Security Medal by President Barack Obama.

She previously served at the State Department as Counselor under Secretary Madeleine Albright, as Special Advisor to President Clinton and Policy Coordinator on North Korea, and as Assistant Secretary for Legislative Affairs under Secretary Warren Christopher.

She also previously served on the President’s Intelligence Advisory Board, was Chair of the Board of Directors of Oxfam America, and served on the U.S. Department of Defense’s Defense Policy Board and Congressional Commission on the Prevention of Weapons of Mass Destruction, Proliferation and Terrorism.

Deputy Secretary Sherman attended Smith College, and received a B.A. cum laude from Boston University and a Master’s degree in Social Work, Phi Kappa Phi, from the University of Maryland.

She is married to Bruce Stokes and has a daughter, Sarah, and two grandsons.

Van Fleet Awardee

General Motors

Virtual Acceptance Speech by

Mary T. Barra

Chair and Chief Executive Officer

General Motors

Mary Barra is Chair and Chief Executive Officer of General Motors. She was elected Chair of the GM Board of Directors on Jan. 4, 2016, and has served as CEO of GM since Jan. 15, 2014.

Under Barra’s leadership, GM envisions a world with zero crashes, to save lives; zero emissions, so future generations can inherit a healthier planet; and zero congestion, so customers get back a precious commodity – time.

She is focused on improving the customer experience and strengthening GM’s core vehicle and services business, while also working to lead the transformation of personal mobility through advanced technologies like connectivity, electrification and autonomous driving.

Prior to becoming CEO, Barra served as GM executive vice president, Global Product Development, Purchasing and Supply Chain since August 2013, and as senior vice president, Global Product Development since February 2011. In these roles, Barra and her teams were responsible for the design, engineering and quality of GM vehicle launches worldwide.

Previously, she served as vice president, Global Human Resources; vice president, Global Manufacturing Engineering; plant manager, Detroit Hamtramck Assembly; and in several other executive engineering and staff positions.

Barra began her career with GM in 1980 as a General Motors Institute (Kettering University) co-op student at the Pontiac Motor Division. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering in 1985, followed by a Master of Business Administration from the Stanford Graduate School of Business in 1990.

Barra serves on the Board of Directors of the Walt Disney Company, the Duke University Board of Trustees and the Detroit Economic Club.

Additionally, she serves as the Chair and founding member of GM’s Inclusion Advisory Board. She is also a member of The Business Council and a Board Member of the Business Roundtable, where she chairs the Education and Workforce Committee and a subcommittee by the same name for the Special Board Committee on Racial Equity and Justice.

Van Fleet Awardee

Virtual Acceptance Speech by

Kwang Mo Koo

Chairman and CEO

Kwang Mo Koo is chairman and CEO of LG Corporation(LG Corp.), the holding company for industry-leading LG businesses, in the fields of consumer electronics, display technologies, household appliances, electronic components, industrial chemicals, electric vehicle batteries, health and beauty products, and telecommunications.

Since his appointment to the position in June 2018, Koo’s focus has been to optimize LG’s business portfolio and to strengthen the competitiveness of its core businesses in the electronics, chemical, and telecommunications sectors operating in Korea as well as across Europe and the United States.

Under Koo, LG continues to actively invest in future growth engines to enhance the competitiveness of its diverse subsidiaries, with a particular emphasis on artificial intelligence (AI) and fundamental research capabilities.

In addition, Koo spearheads the refining of LG’s management philosophy, Creating Value for Customers, stressing the importance of delivering exceptional customer experiences. Through this customer-first approach, and his dedication to fostering a company-wide culture of diversity and inclusion, Mr. Koo is fulfilling his responsibilities to key stakeholder groups, and contributing to the realization of a better society.

Prior to his current role, Koo was head of LG Electronics’ high-growth information displays business. He was also part of LG Corp.’s Synergy Team, responsible for capital allocation across the LG’s business portfolio, acquisitions, and strategic external relations.

Guest Speaker

Madeleine Albright

Former U.S. Secretary of State

Chair of Albright Stonebridge a member of Dentons Global Advisors

Chair of Albright Capital Management

Madeleine K. Albright is a professor, author, diplomat and businesswoman who served as the 64th Secretary of State of the United States. Dr. Albright received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor, from President Obama on May 29, 2012.

In 1997, Dr. Albright was named the first female Secretary of State and became, at that time, the highest ranking woman in the history of the U.S. government. As Secretary of State, Dr. Albright reinforced America’s alliances, advocated for democracy and human rights, and promoted American trade, business, labor, and environmental standards abroad. From 1993 to 1997, Dr. Albright served as the U.S. Permanent Representative to the United Nations and was a member of the President’s Cabinet. From 1989 to 1992, she served as President of the Center for National Policy. Previously, she was a member of President Jimmy Carter’s National Security Council and White House staff and served as Chief Legislative Assistant to U.S. Senator Edmund S. Muskie.

Dr. Albright is a Professor in the Practice of Diplomacy at the Georgetown University School of Foreign Service. Dr. Albright is Chair of Albright Stonebridge Group, a global strategy firm, and Chair of Albright Capital Management LLC, an investment advisory firm focused on emerging markets. She also chairs the National Democratic Institute, serves as the president of the Truman Scholarship Foundation and is Honorary Chair of the World Refugee & Migration Council.

Dr. Albright is a seven-time New York Times bestselling author. Her most recent book, Hell and Other Destinations was published in April 2020. Her other books include: her autobiography, Madam Secretary: A Memoir (2003); The Mighty and the Almighty: Reflections on America, God, and World Affairs (2006); Memo to the President: How We Can Restore America’s Reputation and Leadership (2008); Read My Pins: Stories from a Diplomat’s Jewel Box (2009); Prague Winter: A Personal Story of Remembrance and War, 1937-1948 (2012), and Fascism: A Warning (2018).

Dr. Albright received a B.A. with Honors from Wellesley College, and Master’s and Doctorate degrees from Columbia University’s Department of Public Law and Government, as well as a Certificate from its Russian Institute. She is based in Washington, DC.

Guest Speaker

Ernest J. Moniz

Former Secretary of Energy

Founder & CEO, Energy Futures Initiative

Ernest J. Moniz is the Chief Executive Officer and founder of the Energy Futures Initiative (EFI) and president of EJM Associates. The Energy Futures Initiative advances science-based solutions to climate change through evidence-based analysis, thought leadership, and coalition-building. EFI conducts rigorous research to accelerate the transition to a low-carbon economy through innovation in technology, policy, and business models.

He served as the 13th United States Secretary of Energy where he advanced energy technology innovation, nuclear security and strategic stability, cutting-edge capabilities for the American scientific research community, and environmental stewardship. In that role, he strengthened the Department of Energy (DOE) strategic partnerships with its seventeen national laboratories while producing energy policies that attracted bipartisan support. Since 2017, he has also served as Co-Chair and CEO of the Nuclear Threat Initiative.

Professor Moniz was a key architect of the Paris Agreement on climate change and Mission Innovation at COP 21. He has spearheaded international initiatives that placed energy, science, and technological innovation at the center of the global response to climate change. He also negotiated the historic Iran nuclear agreement alongside Secretary of State John Kerry. Moniz was the Founding Director of the MIT Energy Initiative (MITEI) and Director of the Laboratory for Energy and the Environment. He received a Bachelor of Science degree summa cum laude in physics from Boston College, a doctorate in theoretical physics from Stanford University, and several honorary doctorates.

Master of Ceremonies

Vivian Lee

Former News Anchor and Reporter

Vivian Lee is an Emmy-winning TV journalist.

Along with anchoring continuous live coverage of major breaking news elstories, she reported for 25 years from the field on breaking news stories of the day.

She lives in New York with her husband and two daughters.

Entertainment

Ruthie Ann Miles

Tony Award Winner

Star of the Television Series All Rise

RuthieAnn hails from Kaimuki in Honolulu, Hawai’i, and moved to NYC for grad school in 2005. She has played around cross-country with the LA Philharmonic (Hollywood Bowl) and Boston Pops in Sondheim On Sondheim. She has also been singing with the NY Pops, San Francisco Symphony, and the Incheon Philharmonic Orchestra (S. Korea.) Most recently RuthieAnn plays Sherri Kanski, judicial assistant to Judge Lola Carmichael in CBS’ courthouse drama All Rise, making her an honorary Angelino. She also voiced the role of Mother in Netflix’s Academy Award-nominated animated feature Over The Moon.

RuthieAnn last played on Broadway in Sunday In The Park With George starring Jake Gyllenhaal and AnnaLeigh Ashford at the reopening of the historic Hudson Theatre – the oldest, and now newest, Broadway theatre house! RuthieAnn played “Lady Thiang” in the Tony Award winning revival of The King And I for which she was won the 2015 Tony Award for “Best Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical.” RuthieAnn is also known for originating the role of Imelda Marcos in Alex Timber’s critically acclaimed show Here Lies Love– written by David Byrne w/DJ Fat Boy Slim, for which she received two prestigious awards, the Lucille Lortel Award and the Theatre World Award. Other favorite productions include Avenue Q, Band Geeks, Two By Two, and the National tours of both Annie and Sweeney Todd (as Adolfo Pirelli – playing the accordion, flute and piano onstage.) She received her Masters in Music Performance from NYU Steinhardt.

RuthieAnn lives in Brooklyn with her husband and their mischief-making little lady. She thanks her husband, family and close friends for their love and encouragement; teacher Dr. Gill for his endless support and for being the most resonant cheerleader; and very special thanks to her mother for her guidance and sacrifice. She thanks and praises God for His providence and grace. The role of Lady Thiang continues to be dedicated to the memory of her grandmother, Wang HeeSook, the strongest, most faithful woman the family ever knew.

*Please be aware that the information below is contingent on the event being completely in-person. If NYC or CDC guidelines on COVID-19 change, the event may instead be held in a different format and each benefit might changed. You will be notified of any such changes should they occur.

DOWNLOAD REGISTRATION FORM

DINNER COMMITTEE

LEADER – $100,000
• Recognition from the podium as Dinner Committee
• 14 guests for VIP reception; 6 guests for general reception
• 10 guests for dinner in premium seating; 10 guests for dinner in priority seating
• Full-page ad; corporate profile with photo and bio of corporate representative in the dinner program book

BENEFACTOR – $50,000
• Recognition from the podium as Dinner Committee
• 10 guests for VIP reception; 10 guests for general reception
• 10 guests in priority seating; 10 guests in preferred seating
• Full-page ad; corporate profile with photo and bio of corporate representative in the dinner program book

In addition to above benefits, Dinner Committees will receive recognition by level on the event webpage, promotional emails, social media, and in the Korea Society’s Annual Report

TABLE SPONSORSHIP

DONOR – $15,000
• 10 guests for general reception and dinner
• Half-page ad; corporate profile in the dinner program book

Contributor – $8,000
• 5 guests (half table) for general reception and dinner
• Corporate profile in the dinner program book

ALL SPONSORS BENEFITS INCLUDE:
• Recognition by level on event webpage, promotional emails, and social media
• Year-round recognition in the Korea Society’s Annual Report

INDIVIDUAL SUPPORT AND TICKETS

PATRON COUPLE – $6,000
• 2 tickets for VIP reception and preferred seating
• Acknowledgement on our website and in the dinner program book

PATRON – $3,500
• 1 ticket for VIP reception and preferred seating
• Acknowledgement on our website and in the dinner program book

CONTRIBUTOR – $800
• 1 ticket for general reception and dinner

Tickets

ADVERTISEMENT

Full-page in the dinner program book – $10,000
Half-page in the dinner program book – $6,000

Table Sponsorship and Individual Patron ticket registrations must be confirmed by September 24, 2021 to be acknowledged in the dinner program. Cancellations after September 30, 2021 will not be accepted.

The Korea Society is a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) organization. Contributions are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law.

For further information on sponsorship opportunities or to purchase tickets, please contact Yun Park or by phone at (212) 759-7611.

A Special Note on the CARES Act and Philanthropic Giving
A Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, or CARES Act, has made donations more attractive this year to donors in the US. Please find more detailed information here.

2021 Annual Dinner Sponsors
(in formation as of September 14, 2021)

Gala Chair


Leader



Benefactor



Patron



Sponsor

Donor



Dr. Ho Youn Kim Chairman of Binggrae Corporation Ltd. Founder of the Kim Koo Foundation







Contributor







Additional Supporter





In-Kind Contribution



Special Acknowledgement

Young H.T. Cho Chairman of Donghwa Cultural Foundation and SWPK Art Gallery President of Anthrop-J Investment Group, LLC Henry Do President & CEO POSCO America Corp. (POSAM) Cynthia and Anthony Kim Jay Kim Managing Director Ankura Consulting Group Christopher Koo Chairman LS Corp. John J. Moon & Hee-Jung S. Moon General (Ret) Skip Sharp Former Commander of the United Nations Command, ROK-US Combined Forces Command, and U.S Forces Korea Michael Woods CEO & COO Big Sun Holdings Group Black Buffalo 3D Corporation Flash Labs Corporation

2020 Annual Gala

Posted on October 7, 2020May 25, 2026 by

The Annual Gala Dinner is the Korea Society’s premier event of the year, celebrating the U.S-Korea relationship as well as honoring those who work towards maintaining this special alliance. This year, in light of health and safety concerns regarding COVID-19, we have decided to “recreate” our Annual Gala as a virtually-celebrated event on Wednesday, October 7, with the theme “Enduring Alliance, Expanding Horizons”.

KEYNOTE ADDRESS

Transcript

Keynote Speaker, His Excellency President Moon Jae-In

Ambassador Kathleen Stephens, Chair of the Korea Society, Mr. Thomas J. Byrne, President of the Korea Society, and Distinguished guests, warm greetings to you all.

Korea Society is a dependable bridge that connects the Republic of Korea and the United States of America. Since its establishment in 1957, it has not only enhanced bilateral exchanges and friendly ties between our two countries but also played a crucial role in helping the international community better understand Korea. I am very pleased to be able to express my gratitude at the Annual Gala Dinner today- a significant event joined by those who have made invaluable contributions to the advancement of ROK-U.S. relations. Although I cannot meet you all in person and have to extend my gratitude and congratulations only virtually, I believe absence made the heart grow fonder than ever before.

Distinguished guests, in times of difficulty, we come to think more of our true friends.

Here with us today is Mr. Salvatore Scarlato, President of the New York Department of the Korean War Veterans Association.

He valiantly fought with the 1st Marine Division, surviving brushes with death.

Representative Charles B. Rangel, also a Korean War veteran, has spearheaded efforts to upgrade the ROK-U.S. alliance throughout his 46 years of service as Congressman, including by co-sponsoring the Korean War Veterans Memorial Wall of Remembrance Act.

The Korean people consider veterans including the two heroes I just acknowledged as their true friends. Not even for a moment have we forgotten our friends who fought for the freedom and peace of a country they never knew or a people they never met.

The robust ROK-U.S. alliance of today has also been forged with sacrifices and dedications of veterans. Mr. Scarlato, Representative Rangel, and all of the Korean War veterans they represent, I want to congratulate you, together with my fellow Koreans, on your receiving the Van Fleet Award.

Chairman Yongmaan Park who has been leading economic cooperation based on the strong spirit of alliance and staff of Korean Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and members of BTS who have been central to promoting cultural exchanges between our two countries, congratulations on your win as well.

Distinguished guests, for the past 67 years, the ROK-U.S. alliance has become stronger and more mature. The alliance initially forged in blood has evolved into one of peace and security, a linchpin for peace on the Korean Peninsula, and served as a dependable bulwark in securing freedom, human rights and vibrant democracy in the Republic of Korea.

The ROK-U.S. alliance has now become an inarguably strong economic alliance as well, with the two countries having strengthened bilateral ties by expanding trade and investment and creating many more new jobs. The late General Van Fleet, founder of the Korea Society, was proud to witness Korea’s astonishing development and once said “Korea is my second home.”

Together with the U.S., Korea was able to achieve what it enjoys today, and our countries will accomplish so much more through our great alliance.

Korea is preparing for the post-COVID-19 era by going digital and green in partnership with the U.S. and the rest of the world.

Our two countries will also work together and jointly tackle and overcome the global economic crisis caused by the coronavirus.

Above all, the very foundation underpinning the ROK-U.S. alliance is close people-to-people ties and shared cultural values.

2.5 million Koreans living in the U.S. are proud members of American society as well as the most essential asset for promoting friendship between the two countries.

The presence of Korean students in the U.S. that reach up to 50,000 and about 3,000 Americans studying in Korea is a herald of a more prosperous bilateral relationship to come.

Young Koreans are communicating with the world by translating Korea’s unique sentiment into messages that have universal appeal.

Korean culture was able to make it to the Academy Awards and Billboard Chart because our two countries have long been sharing cultural values.

Our alliance shined even in the midst of the COVID-19 crisis.

Even when Korea was bearing the brunt of COVID-19 early on, the U.S. kept its doors open for inbound travelers from Korea, trusting that Korea would effectively respond to the outbreak based on the principles of transparency, openness, and democracy.

Korea, even amid a spike in locally-transmitted infections back in April, provided diagnostic kits first to the United States.

And as a gesture of friendship, we sent 2.5 million face masks to Americans, half a million of which were delivered to the Korean War veterans.

The crisis we are facing today cannot be overcome by a single country alone. It is high time for the ROK-U.S. alliance to demonstrate its power once again.

President Trump has recently invited Korea to attend the G7 Summit meeting.

I take it as America’s call on Korea to assume responsibility and a role commensurate with its international stature based on deep mutual trust between our two countries.

Korea will live up to these expectations and also actively join the concerted global efforts to respond to COVID-19.

The ROK-U.S. alliance is now in a new evolutionary phase with the two countries addressing not only regional but also global issues together.

By going beyond traditional security, economic, social and cultural cooperation and jointly responding to transboundary crises such as infectious diseases, terrorism and climate change, we are broadening the scope of our cooperation to form a comprehensive alliance.

I hope that our two countries will stand at the forefront of a recovery from the COVID-19 crisis and make a new leap toward a more robust alliance.

Distinguished guests, This year marks the 70th anniversary of the start of the Korean War.

At the UN General Assembly, I restated before the international community that the War on the Korean Peninsula must end, completely and for good.

The end-of-war declaration will indeed pave the way for peace on the Korean Peninsula, and establishing permanent peace on the Korea Peninsula is the only genuine way to reciprocate the sacrifices and dedications of the Korean War veterans.

There has been substantive progress made in peace process on the Korean Peninsula thanks to the inter-Korean and U.S.-North Korea summit meetings in 2018 and 2019.

However, the talks have now stalled and we are catching our breath.

We can neither allow any backtracking on hard-earned progress nor change our destination.

I hope that our two countries work toward the end-of-war declaration and draw active participation from the international community in this regard.

When we not only deter war but also actively create and institutionalize peace, our alliance will be even greater.

I would like to ask for each and every one of your support for this process so that the Korean Peninsula can finally put the history of the division behind and advance into an era of reconciliation and prosperity. To quote President John F. Kennedy, “peace is a daily, a weekly, a monthly process, gradually changing opinions, slowly eroding old barriers, quietly building new structures.”

Korea and the U.S. will engage in close communication and coordination, thereby eliciting support and cooperation from neighboring countries and the international society.

Moreover, our two countries will continue the efforts to build trust with North Korea, one of the parties involved, by keeping our ears, mind and heart open toward it.

I would like to thank Korea Society once again for organizing this meaningful event. Korea will never forget its true friends.

I will continue our audacious journey toward peace and prosperity on the Korean Peninsula with all of you invited on board.

“We go together!”

Thank you very much.

VAN FLEET AWARD CEREMONY

Charles B. Rangel, 23-term New York congressman and first African-American chairman of the Ways and Means Committee, receives the Van Fleet Award on behalf of all U.S Korean War Veterans. In his dedication speech, Ambassador Won-Sam Chang, Consul General of the Consulate General of the Republic of Korea In New York, describes Congressman Rangel as a “decorated hero of the Korean war”, noting that he earned a bronze star for valor and a purple heart for his heroic service at the Battle of Kunu-ri in November 1950, when he led a group of his fellow soldiers from behind enemy lines. Ambassador Chang concludes by saying, “I would like to take this opportunity on behalf of the government and the people of Korea to express my profound gratitude to all U.S. Korean War veterans for their courageous service and noble sacrifice.”

Salvatore Scalato, President of the Korean War Veterans Association Department of New York, receives the Van Fleet Award on behalf of the Association. Recalling Sal’s experiences in Korea, General (Ret) Skip Sharp, Former UNC/CFC/USFK Commander, remarks, “Sal’s story is gripping, heartfelt, and especially when he tells it, sometimes humorous.” General Sharp goes on to explain that Sal’s story, “is a good representation of the 1.8 million Americans who fought in the Korean War and the 36,000 who died defending South Korea.” General Sharp concludes, “Sal has spent his life supporting Korean War veterans. And as a son of a Korean War veteran, I am thankful for all that Korean War Veterans Association has done and is doing for our veterans.”

Yongmaan Park, Chairman of the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI), receives the Van Fleet Award on behalf of the organization. The Honorable Mark Lippert, Former U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Korea, notes, “KCCI has been integral to the growth and development of Korea that makes it so special on the world stage.” He points out KCCI’s crucial role “in promoting economic ties between the United States and the Republic of Korea.” Ambassador Lippert highlights that Chairman Park has “a long and distinguished career in private industry and promoting economic ties.”

BTS receives the Van Fleet Award in recognition of the group’s promotion of cultural ties between the U.S. and South Korea. In her Gala introductory remarks, Ambassador Kathleen Stephens, Korea Society board chair, said, “BTS set the world alight, not just by setting records for number one songs and albums, but also by inspiring audiences of all backgrounds and cultures with their universal messages of hope, humanity, and love.”

KEYNOTE SPEAKER



	His Excellency Moon Jae-in President Republic of Korea

VAN FLEET AWARD HONOREES

U.S. Korean War Veterans

Accepted by
Honorable Charles B. Rangel
Congressman 1970-2016
Statesman-in-residence
The City College of New York

Accepted by
Salvatore Scarlato
President
Korean War Veterans Association
Department of New York

President
Korean War Veterans
Central Long Island Chapter 64

Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry



	Accepted by Yongmaan Park Chairman Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry

BTS

Bangtan Sonyeondan/Beyond the Scene
Global Superstars

GUEST SPEAKERS



Honorable Harry Harris U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Korea	Honorable Yumi Hogan First Lady of Maryland	Kim Woo Joo Professor, Division of Infectious Diseases Guro Hospital, Korea University College of Medicine

PRESENTERS



Ambassador Won-Sam Chang Consul General Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in New York	Honorable Mark Lippert Former U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Korea Senior Adviser CSIS Head of Government Affairs and Public Policy, Asia Pacific, YouTube	General (Ret) Skip Sharp Former Commander of the United Nations Command, ROK-US Combined Forces Command, and U.S Forces Korea

MASTER OF CEREMONIES



	Juju Chang Co-Anchor ABC Nightline

Please join this major annual event as we commemorate the 70th anniversary of the Korean War and virtually highlight the full range of America’s security, economic, political, and cultural ties with the Korean Peninsula.

Stay tuned for more information on additional gala speakers.

To participate in this special event, please view details in the tap below on gala sponsorship and tickets. Your contribution is needed more than ever to help us continue our mission to promote and enhance the U.S.-Korea relationship.

Contact Jiyoung Suh for any inquiries.

For press inquiries, please contact Claire Callahan

Schedule of EventsSUPPORT LEVELSKeynote SpeakerAwardeeGuest SpeakersMaster of CeremoniesSUPPORTERS

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

6:30 PM		Event Website Opens
7:00 PM		Official Gala Program Starts
8:15 PM		Official Gala Program Concludes and Invitation-Only VIP Reception Starts
8:45 PM		Invitation-Only VIP Reception Concludes

* the schedule is based on EDT

SPONSORSHIP

LEADER – $100,000
• Dedicated viewing links to the virtual gala for 40 guests
• 5 passes to invitation-only VIP reception
• Logo placement in VIP reception
• Verbal recognition during Virtual Gala broadcast
• A full-page advertisement in the digital dinner program book
• Corporate profile with photo and bio of corporate representative in the digital dinner program book
• One complimentary corporate gift membership at the Affiliate level ($1,000)
• One time complimentary rental opportunity to use Korea Society’s event room in 2021*

BENEFACTOR – $50,000
• Dedicated viewing links to the virtual gala for 30 guests
• 4 passes to invitation-only VIP reception
• Verbal recognition during Virtual Gala broadcast
• A full-page advertisement in the digital dinner program book
• Corporate profile with photo and bio of corporate representative in the digital dinner program book

PATRON – $30,000
• Dedicated viewing links to the virtual gala for 25 guests
• 3 passes to invitation-only VIP reception
• Verbal recognition during Virtual Gala broadcast
• A full-page advertisement in the digital dinner program book
• Corporate profile with photo and bio of corporate representative in the digital dinner program book

Sponsor – $20,000
• Dedicated viewing links to the virtual gala for 20 guests
• 2 passes to invitation-only VIP reception
• A half-page advertisement in the digital dinner program book
• Corporate profile with photo of corporate representative in the digital dinner program book

Donor – $15,000
• Dedicated viewing links to the virtual gala for 15 guests
• A half-page advertisement in the digital dinner program book
• Corporate profile in the digital dinner program book

Contributor – $7,500
• Dedicated viewing links to the virtual gala for 10 guests
• Corporate profile in the digital dinner program book

ALL SPONSORS BENEFITS INCLUDE:
• Recognition by level on Virtual Gala event webpage, promotional emails, and social media
• On-screen recognition by level before and during the Virtual Gala
• Year-round recognition in the Korea Society’s Annual Report

*rental will be available on the date when there are no Korea Society’s programs and activities. Rental schedule should be discussed at least two months prior to the event. The guidelines of New York City and State on COVID-19 shall prevail when arranging rental schedule and details.

INDIVIDUAL SUPPORT AND TICKETS

VAN FLEET AWARD SPONSOR – $4,000
• 3 ticket for a dedicated viewing link to the virtual gala
• 1 pass to invitation-only VIP reception
• Recognition on Virtual Gala event webpage as a Van Fleet Award Sponsor
• On-screen recognition as a Van Fleet Award Sponsor before and during Virtual Gala
• One complimentary individual gift membership at the Supporter level ($150)
• Year-round recognition in the Korea Society’s Annual Report

PATRON – $3,000 Per Ticket (PATRON COUPLE – $5,000)
• 1 ticket for a dedicated viewing link to the virtual gala
• 1 pass to invitation-only VIP reception
• Recognition on Virtual Gala event webpage
• On-screen recognition by level before and during Virtual Gala
• One complimentary individual gift membership at the Supporter level ($150)
• Year-round recognition in the Korea Society’s Annual Report

CONTRIBUTOR – $300
• 1 ticket for a dedicated viewing link to the virtual gala
• One complimentary individual gift membership at the Individual level ($75)

ALL KOREA SOCIETY INDIVIDUAL MEMBERS AT SUPPORTER ($150) AND ABOVE LEVEL are eligible to receive a dedicated viewing link to the virtual gala. Become a member today here and enjoy the one year membership benefits as well as our virtual gala!

Members at the Supporter level and above who would like to attend the gala can register here. Please be advised that your membership is effective until the date of the event, so be sure to renew your membership here if it expires soon.

Tickets

I am unable to attend. Please accept my contribution.

ADVERTISEMENT

Full-page in the dinner program book – $10,000
Half-page in the dinner program book – $5,000

All sponsorship and Individual Patron ticket registrations must be confirmed by October 2, 2020 to be acknowledged in the dinner program. Cancellations after October 2 will not be accepted.

For further information on sponsorship opportunities or to purchase tickets, please contact Jiyoung Suh or by phone at (212) 759-5360.

The Korea Society is a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) organization. The total amount of your contribution is tax deductible.

Funds raised from the virtual gala will support the Korea Society’s programs and activities. Proceeds from this event will also go to the New York Korean War Veterans Memorial to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the Korean War and honor the sacrifice of Korean War veterans.

A Special Note on the CARES Act and Philanthropic Giving
The recently passed Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, or CARES Act, has provisions that make donations particularly attractive this year to donors in the US. Please find more detailed information here.

His Excellency Moon Jae-in
President
Republic of Korea

Education
	1980	LL.B., Kyung Hee University (Seoul, Korea)
	1971	Kyungnam High School (Busan, Korea)
Career
	2017	President of the Republic of Korea
	2017	Presidential candidate of the Democratic Party for the 19th presidential election
	2015	Chairperson of the Democratic Party
	2014	Member of the Interim Committee of the New Politics Alliance for Democracy
	2013	Standing Advisor of the Democratic United Party
	2012	Candidate of the Democratic United Party for the 18th presidential election Member of the 19th National Assembly (Sasang-gu, Busan)
	2011	Standing Co-representative of the Innovation and Integration
	2010	Chairperson of the Roh Moo-hyun Foundation
	2007	Chief of Staff to the President Chairperson of the Promotion Committee for the 2nd Inter-Korean Summit
	2005	Senior Secretary to the President for Civil Affairs
	2004	Senior Secretary to the President for Civil Society
	2003	Senior Secretary to the President for Civil Affairs
	1982	Established a law office specializing in human rights and civil society with Roh Moo-hyun, the 16th President of the Republic Korea

In honor of the American soldiers who served in the Korean War, especially the over 36,000 Americans who gave their lives, two American veterans will accept the Van Fleet Award.

Accepted b

y
Honorable Charles B. Rangel
Congressman 1970-2016
Statesman-in-residence
The City College of New York

Charles B. Rangel, war hero, history-making congressman, master lawmaker. A founding member of the Congressional Black Caucus, he made history as the first African American member of Congress to lead the powerful Ways and Means Committee. He served for 23 terms in the House of Representatives and was cited as the most effective lawmaker in the House, leading all of his colleagues in passing legislation. He was a prime contributor to President Obama’s historic health care reform law.

Growing up on the other side of the tracks on Lenox Avenue in Harlem, he was transformed from high school dropout to war hero after volunteering for service in the Army during the Korean War. Wounded in an attack by waves of Communist Chinese troops, he was awarded a Purple Heart and the Bronze Star for Valor after leading his surviving comrades from behind enemy lines.

With the aid of the G.I. Bill, he earned degrees from New York University and St. John’s University Law School. He began his public service as an assistant U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York and was later elected to the New York State Assembly. He went to Washington in 1971 to serve in the House after defeating the legendary Congressman Adam Clayton Powell, Jr.

Congressman Rangel is currently Statesman in Residence at The City College of New York for the City University of New York. Demonstrating his commitment to education, he created financial mechanisms to construct and rehabilitate public schools across the country. In Congress, following Saint Matthew’s teaching, he has been a stalwart champion for the “least among us,” advocating powerfully and persistently to improve the lives of working people. He is a defender of veterans and treated education as a national security issue.

A leading advocate for equal rights and equal opportunity, Congressman Rangel boosted the incomes of millions of working families with the Earned Income Tax Credit, and pumped billions of dollars into revitalization of communities across the nation, including Harlem. His unparalleled foreign policy record focused on Africa and the Caribbean. In 1986, Congressman Rangel sounded the death knell for apartheid in South Africa with the “Rangel Amendment,” which forced the largest U.S. investors to abandon the country. He created trading and investment opportunities for struggling nations in the Caribbean and Africa. In 2010, he successfully promoted vital investment incentives for earthquake ravaged Haiti.

Among his proudest achievements is founding the Charles B. Rangel International Affairs Program in the State Department, in cooperation with Howard University. As of 2015, most of the 200 Rangel Fellows who completed the program were serving as U.S. State Department Foreign Service Officers in U.S. Embassies around the world. Congressman Rangel retired from the United States Congress in 2016. Mr. Rangel still resides with his wife, Alma, in Harlem where he was born. They have two adult children and three grandchildren.

Accepted by

Salvatore Scarlato
President
Korean War Veterans Association Department of New York

President
Korean War Veterans Central Long Island Chapter 64

Salvatore Scarlato joined the Korean War Veterans Central Long Island Chapter in September 1989. He began by being a Member then was voted in as a Director, Event Chairman, 1st Vice President and, today is the President. He has been the President of this Chapter and the Korean War Veterans Association Department of New York from 2009 to present time (11 years.)

Born in Brookyn, New York on January 14, 1933, Salvatore Scarlato was raised in Bedford Stuyvesant, Williamsburg in Brookyn. His parents, Damiano and Carmela Scarlato, were born in the United States in 1905. He attended public school 157 first, then Boys High School in Brookyn, NY.

On October 15, 1951, at the age of 18 ½ years old, Salvatore Scarlato joined the United States Marine Corps. He trained 12 weeks in Boot Camp at Parris Island, SC. After Boot Camp, he was sent to Camp Pendleton, CA for 12 weeks of combat infantry training; part of the 19 replacement draft to Korea. He arrived in Inchon Harbor (Korea west coast) on April 1952 and proceeded to Ascom City where he was assigned as a Browning Automatic Rifle (B.A.R.) man to Baker Company 1st Shore Party Battalion, 1st Marine Division attached to Kimpo Provisional Regiment (K.P.R.) with the 7 Marine Regiment above the Kimpo Penninsula on the main line of Resistence (M.L.R.) This is called the Jamestown Line. He was combat wounded and spent five months in Camp Lejuene Naval Hospital in SC and received an Honorable Medical Discharge from his military service.

Salvatore Scarlato is the recipient of the Purple Heart Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, Marine Corps President Unit Citation, Navy Unit Commendation with one Bronze Star, Navy Reserve Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Korean Service Medal with three Bronze Stars, Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation with one Bronze Star, United Nations Medal, the Korean War Service Medal and the New York State Conspicuous Service Cross, New York State Conspicuous Service Star.

Salvatore added to his education by using the G.I. Bill by attending the Mondell Institute in Jamaica, NY for electro-mechanical design drafting; he graduated in 1955. Then, he attended Community Brooklyn College at night for two years and took a home study course from the International Technology of Electronics School in Chicago, IL, which he received a Certificate of Completion.

In 1990, he met his first American South Korean, John SJ Ha, who is his 1st Vice President and best friend. Because of John and his important contacts, Salvatore is well known all over the East Coast Metropolitan area of New York and many Korean Communities, as well as, the Blue House in Seoul Korea. He has received many medals and awards from numerous Korean Presidents, Korean Government Officials, Korean Organizations and Korean Retired Generals. Salvatore has been back to Korea eight different times, as an Honored Guest of the Korean Government.

In civilian life, Salvatore was an electro-mechanical designer and worked for various electronic and aircraft companies doing military and commercial designing of electronic equipment, black boxes for aircrafts and ground support equipment.

Salvatore Scarlato married his beautiful, lovely wife, Teresa on June 1, 1957 (married 63 years.) They have two beautiful children, Karen and Thomas and three wonderful grandsons, Nicholas, Steven and Matthew and son-in-law, Wayne. He and his wife reside in Hauppauge, NY.

On behalf of Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the oldest and largest business organization in Korea representing approximately 180,000 member companies, Chairman of KCCI, Mr. Park Yongmaan will receive the Van Fleet Award.

Accepted by
Yongmaan Park
Chairman
Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry

Acknowledged for his leadership and expertise, Mr. Park was elected Chairman of the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) in August 2013.

Moreover, he has served as executive member of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) since June 2014. Mr. Park has played a key role in representing diverse voices of businesses and building close partnerships between the private and public sectors, both domestically and globally.

Mr. Park received a Commander of the Order of the Star from the Italian government in 2016, the Van Fleet Award from the Korea Society in 2014, and Gold Tower Industry Award from the Korean government in 2012. Mr. Park holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Seoul National University and a Master of Business Administration degree from Boston University.

BTS
Bangtan Sonyeondan/ Beyond the Scene
Global Superstars

BTS, an acronym of Bangtan Sonyeondan or “Beyond the Scene,” is a South Korean boy band that has been capturing the hearts of millions of fans globally since their debut in June 2013. The members of BTS are RM, Jin, SUGA, j-hope, Jimin, V, and Jung Kook. Gaining recognition for their authentic and self-produced music, top-notch performances, and the way they interact with their fans, the band has established themselves as global superstars breaking countless world records. While imparting a positive influence through activities such as the LOVE MYSELF campaign and the UN ‘Speak Yourself’ speech, BTS has mobilized millions of fans across the world (named ARMY), topped prominent music charts, performed multiple sold-out stadium shows across the world and has been named as one of TIME 100: The Most Influential People of 2019. The band has also been recognized with numerous prestigious awards like the Billboard Music Awards and American Music Awards.

Honorable Harry Harris
U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Korea

Ambassador Harry Harris was nominated by President Trump on May 23, 2018 and confirmed by the United States Senate on June 28, 2018 as U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Korea (ROK).

Ambassador Harris commanded the U.S. Pacific Command (USPACOM), now known as the Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM), from May, 2015 to May, 2018. He is the first Asian-American to hold four-star rank in the U.S. Navy and the first to head USPACOM. Prior to USPACOM, he commanded the U.S. Pacific Fleet. Other operational commands include the U.S. 6th Fleet, Striking and Support Forces NATO, Joint Task Force Guantanamo, Patrol and Reconnaissance Wing 1, and Patrol Squadron 46.

From 2011 to 2013, Ambassador Harris served as the representative of the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff to the Secretary of State. In this role, he traveled to over 80 countries with the Secretary and participated in most of the Secretary’s meetings with foreign leaders. He also served as the U.S. Roadmap Monitor for the Mid-East Peace Process.

Ambassador Harris’ personal decorations include the State Department’s Distinguished Honor Award, the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, three Navy Distinguished Service Medals, three Defense Superior Service Medals, three Legions of Merit, two Bronze Stars, and the Air Medal. He received the Republic of Korea’s Tong-il medal in 2014. He has also been decorated by the governments of Australia, France, Japan, Mongolia, the Philippines, and Singapore.

Ambassador Harris was born in Japan and reared in Tennessee and Florida. He graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1978. He holds master’s degrees from Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government and Georgetown’s School of Foreign Service. He also did post-graduate work at Oxford University and completed the Seminar 21 fellowship at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Ambassador Harris’ father served in the U.S. Navy, and was a veteran of both World War II and the Korean War. He was stationed in Korea and Japan after World War II until he retired in 1958. Harris’ mother was Japanese. She moved to Tennessee with her husband and young son in 1958 and became an American citizen in 1974. Ambassador Harris is married to Ms. Bruni Bradley, herself a career Naval officer.

Honorable Yumi Hogan
First Lady of Maryland

Maryland’s First Lady, Yumi Hogan, is the first Korean-American First Lady in the United States. Mrs. Hogan is a first-generation Korean-American, an accomplished artist, and an adjunct professor at Maryland Institute College of Art.

Mrs. Hogan grew up on a farm in the South Korean countryside as the youngest of eight children. She immigrated to the United States over 40 years ago, and raised her three daughters, Kim, Jaymi, and Julie, in Howard County.

In 2016, Mrs. Hogan received the Inspirational Leader Award from the International Leadership Foundation, which recognized her as a trailblazing political and community leader and a role model to the Asian-Pacific American community and all Americans.

Among other reputable recognition, Mrs. Hogan is the recipient of the 2017 Ellis Island Medal of Honor, a highly-prestigious, nationally-recognized award by the National Ethnic Coalition of Organizations, which recognizes her accomplishments in leadership and inspired service to the state and nation; all while maintaining the traditions of their ethnic heritage as they uphold the ideals and spirit of America.

Her artwork, created on traditional Hanji paper with Sumi ink and mixed media, has been featured in art shows and museums in Maryland, Virginia, the District of Columbia, South Korea and more, including an exhibit at the National Museum of Women in the Arts.

In addition to her work as an artist, Mrs. Hogan has juried numerous art exhibitions, including statewide and national competitions by the Maryland Federation of Art. In 2016, she served as jury chair for the new Concourse D Gallery at the BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport where artists from Maryland and Washington D.C. were selected to feature their work.

As First Lady, Mrs. Hogan has made it a priority to share her love of the arts with Marylanders of all ages through arts education. Since November 2015, Mrs. Hogan has served as the Honorary Chair of the Council for Arts and Culture at the University of Maryland, Baltimore, working with the University and Baltimore City to promote the arts.

Following Governor Hogan’s diagnosis with Stage 3 non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma in 2015 and their family’s battle with the disease, Mrs. Hogan has become a vocal advocate for cancer awareness and devoted much of her time to visiting Marylanders battling cancer, especially children, and their families. In 2016, Mrs. Hogan was recognized for her role as a caregiver and her work raising awareness with the Pheo Para Alliance’s Dr. Cyrus Katzen Humanitarian Award.

Through her work teaching art classes to patients with cancer and people with disabilities, Mrs. Hogan has become a strong proponent of art therapy and the positive impact it can have on health and wellbeing. She plans to continue to support the arts community and work to bring the joy of art to all Marylanders.

Kim Woo Joo
Professor, Division of Infectious Diseases
Guro Hospital, Korea University College of Medicine

Professor Kim Woo Joo is a native of Korea, where he received a Doctor of Medicine (Korea University College of Medicine, 1983) and was boarded in internal medicine (Korea University Hospital, 1987). In 1990, he joined the Division of Infectious Diseases of the Korea University Guro Hospital as a Clinical Instructor and achieved the subspecialty board of adult infectious diseases in 1992. From 1996 to 1997, he served as a visiting scholar at the Division of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology at Rush-Presbyterian St. Luke’s Medical Center, Chicago, USA. Between 1999 and 2001, he worked as Chief of the Laboratory of Respiratory Viruses and the National Influenza Center at the Korea National Institute of Health (KNIH), supervising the surveillance, control, and research activities concerning influenza, measles, rubella, and mumps. While at the KNIH, Professor Kim was instrumental in the establishment of the Korean Influenza Surveillance Scheme (KISS), the first such national surveillance system for influenza. Since 2000, Professor Kim has been a member of the National Advisory Committee on Influenza. He provides advice on issues such as the identification of priority groups for influenza vaccination programs, the appropriate vaccination campaign, surveillance, burden of disease studies, and vaccine safety. Since 2007, he also has been advising on the influenza pandemic preparedness plan that the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC) is developing, as well as the research and development of the influenza pandemic vaccine. In recognition of his expertise in and contribution to the field of influenza, he was appointed as Chair of the Trans-governmental Enterprise for Pandemic Influenza in Korea (TEPIK) in 2010, designated by the Ministry of Health and Welfare. He was the president of the Korean Society of Infectious Diseases from 2014 to 2015. During the 2015 MERS-CoV outbreak in Korea, he had served as the leader of Rapid Response Team and special supervisor to the prime minister to help the government contain the outbreak within two months. In the last five years, Professor Kim has published numerous articles in international journals, including the Lancet, Journal of Infectious Diseases, Vaccine, Clinical Vaccine and Immunology, PLoS One, Human Vaccines & Immunotherapeutics, Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses, Emerging Infectious Diseases, Epidemiology and Infection, Scientific Reports, Journal of Clinical Virology and the Journal of Medical Virology.

Juju Chang
Co-Anchor
ABC Nightline

Juju Chang is an Emmy Award-winning co-anchor of ABC News’ “Nightline.” She also reports regularly for “Good Morning America” and “20/20.”

Chang has been recognized for her in-depth personal narratives set against the backdrop of pressing national and international news. Her exclusive television interview with transgender solider Chelsea Manning, after seven years in prison, explored issues of national security leaks and LGBTQ military service. Her profile of former firefighter Pat Hardison – after a groundbreaking face transplant – highlighted the crisis of organ donation. She also interviewed transgender teen Jazz Jennings and her journey towards getting gender confirmation surgery and advocacy for other young transgender people. Additionally, Chang anchored a special edition of “Nightline,” “Consent on Campus,” from Penn State which tackled complex issues surrounding sexual assault.

Chang has also covered major breaking news for decades for ABC News, including Superstorm Sandy, the Orlando nightclub massacre and the Boston Marathon bombing. She has traveled around the world to report on global issues including a three-country trip through Central Africa on the front lines against Boko Haram in the latest on #bringbackourgirls, and to Honduras for “Femicide: the Untold War,” an eye-opening look at rampant violence against women.

Chang has profiled newsmakers like Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg, former Vice President Joe Biden and Oprah Winfrey as well as entertainers like Chris Pratt, Channing Tatum, Nicki Minaj, and Bella Thorne. Her extensive feature reporting covers parenting dilemmas, digital addictions and social media moguls like Dude Perfect and Esther the Wonder Pig.

A former news anchor for “Good Morning America,” Chang joined ABC News as an entry level desk assistant in 1987 and rose to become a producer for “World News Tonight.” Her first on-air job was reporting for KGO-TV in San Francisco. After a year in Washington, D.C. covering the White House, Capitol Hill and the presidential election for NewsOne, she co-anchored the overnight show “World News Now.” Chang’s work has been recognized with numerous awards including multiple Emmy’s, Gracie’s, a DuPont, a Murrow and Peabody awards. In 2017, she was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Front Page Awards.

Born in Seoul, South Korea and raised in Northern California, Chang graduated with honors from Stanford University with a B.A. in political science and communication. She is married to WNET President and CEO Neal Shapiro and together they have three sons. Chang is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations and a founding board member of the Korean American Community Foundation.

Gala Video Sponsor

Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry

Benefactor

Citi

FILA & Acushnet

Hyundai Motor America

LG Electronics

Samsung Electronics America

Sponsor

Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in New York

MetLife

Donor

Korea International Trade Association (KITA)

Poongsan Corporation

Contributor

Chong Kun Dang Kochon Foundation

Dentons

Kim & Chang

McLarty Associates

John J. Moon & Hee-Jung S. Moon

Additional Supporter

Earth Therapeutics

Dr. Ho Youn Kim
Founder of the Kim Koo Foundation
Chairman of Binggrae Corporation Ltd.

Van Fleet Award Sponsor

Young H.T. Cho
Chairman, Donghwa Cultural Foundation and SWPK Art Gallery
President, Anthrop-J Investment Group, LLC

Cynthia and Anthony Kim

Sang H. Pak
Retired Partner
KPMG LLP

General (Ret) Skip Sharp
Former Commander of the United Nations Command,
ROK-US Combined Forces Command, and
U.S Forces Korea

Special Acknowledgement

Seung-Hoon Lee
Senior Advisor
Dentons Lee

Michael Woods
CEO & COO
Big Sun Holdings Group

2019 Annual Dinner

Posted on November 20, 2019May 25, 2026 by

KEYNOTE SPEAKER

General Vincent K. Brooks
Retired Four-Star General & Former Commander, United Nations Command/Combined Forces Command/United States Forces Korea

VAN FLEET AWARD HONOREES

The Boeing Company

The late Yang Ho Cho
Former Chairman and CEO
Hanjin Group

Received by

Mr. Ihssane Mounir
Senior Vice President, Commercial Sales & Marketing
The Boeing Company

Received by

Mr. Walter Cho
Chairman and CEO
Korean Air

MASTER OF CEREMONIES

Vivian Lee
Anchor/Reporter
Spectrum News NY1

The Plaza
Fifth Avenue at Central Park South, New York City

Reception 6:00 PM | Dinner 7:00 PM

Black Tie, Traditional Attire

Contact Jiyoung Suh for any inquires.

KEYNOTE SPEAKERAwardeeMaster of CeremoniesEntertainmentSUPPORT LEVELSSupporters

Keynote Speaker
GENERAL VINCENT K. BROOKS
Retired Four-Star General & Former Commander
United Nations Command
Combined Forces Command
United States Forces Korea

General Vincent K. Brooks is a career Army officer who recently retired from active duty as the four-star general in command of all U.S. Forces in Korea, where he concurrently commanded United Nations Command as well as the Republic of Korea—U.S. Combined Forces Command comprising over 650,000 Koreans and Americans under arms.

In 2003, while serving in the Joint Staff at the Pentagon, Brooks was chosen to serve as the deputy director of operations and primary spokesperson for the America’s fighting force in the Middle East and Central Asia, the United States Central Command as it conducted combat operations against the Iraq. Due to his charisma and speaking ability, the media, and international viewing public preferred Brooks’ daily update briefings to those of other spokespersons. During this time, Brooks was often referred to as “the face of the U.S. military. The Central Command is one of nine U.S. combatant commands that answer directly to the President and the Secretary of Defense. Its territory includes 25 nations in Africa, the Middle East, and Central Asia.

Brooks also served as the commander for the U.S. Third Army, the U.S. Army portion of Central Command from 2011 to 2013, critical times in the reduction of forces in Iraq, the increase of forces in Afghanistan, the “Arab Spring,” and the standoff against Iran.

Highly experienced in command of increasingly larger and more complex organizations over his forty-two years of service spent mostly in leadership roles, Brooks led in assignments completed with the 82nd Airborne Division, 1st Infantry Division, the 1st Cavalry Division, the 2nd Infantry Division, the 3rd Infantry Division, the Third Corps, the Third Army, and the U.S. Army in the Pacific. In his final assignment, he served both the President of the United States and the President of the Republic of Korea. He also served at the Pentagon with both the Army headquarters as well as with the Joint Staff overseeing all the U.S. military operations around the world.

General Brooks, who goes by “Vince,” is a 1980 graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point, the first class to include women, and he led the 4,000 cadets as the cadet brigade commander or “First Captain.” A history-maker, Brooks is the first African American to have been chosen for this paramount position, and he was the first cadet to lead the student body when women were in all four classes (freshman or “plebe” to senior or “first classman”). He is also the eighth African American in history to attain the military’s top rank—four-star general in the United States Army.

Widely respected as a speaker and leader of cohesive, innovative organizations, within and beyond the military, his areas of expertise include leadership in complex organizations, crisis leadership, and building cohesive trust-based teams, national security, policy, strategy, international relations, military operations, combating terrorism and countering the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, diversity and inclusion. He is a combat veteran and a member of the Council on Foreign Relations.

He has a Bachelor of Science in Engineering from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point; a Master of Military Art and Science from the prestigious U.S. Army School of advanced Military Studies at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas; was a National Security Fellow at the Harvard University John F. Kennedy School of Government; and holds an honorary Doctor of Laws from the New England School of Law.

Vince is from a career military family and claims Alexandria, Virginia as home given the long roots in maternal and paternal branches of the family tree. He is married to Carol P. Brooks, MA, DSc. a retired physical therapist and currently an adult educator. Brooks recently retired from the US Army after over 38 years of service and the two currently reside in Austin, Texas.

Van Fleet Awardee
The late Yang Ho Cho
Former Chairman and CEO
Hanjin Group

Yang Ho Cho was former chairman, CEO and major shareholder of the Hanjin Group, a global transportation conglomerate in the aviation, maritime and ground transportation industries. Companies in the Hanjin Group include Korean Air, Hanjin Transportation as well as educational institutions and non-profit foundations.

Mr. Cho was named chairman and CEO of Korean Air in 1999, having previously served as the company’s president and CEO. He began working for Korean Air as a manager in the Americas Regional Headquarters in 1974, and worked his way up the company’s administrative ranks.

In addition to his corporate responsibilities, Mr. Cho is vice chairman of the Federation of Korean Industries and co-chairman of the Korea-U.S. Business Council. He is also the co-chairman of the Korea-France High Level Businessmen’s Club and served as the co-president of l’Année France-Corée 2015-2016, aimed at celebrating 130 years of diplomatic relations between Korea and France. He serves on the Strategy Policy Committee and the Board of Governors at the International Air Transport Association.

Mr. Cho was the head of the PyeongChang 2018 Bid Committee, which was successful in winning the bid to host the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games in 2018. He later served as the president and CEO of the PyeongChang 2018 Organizing Committee.

After receiving a bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering from Inha University (Incheon, Korea), Mr. Cho received an M.B.A. from the University of Southern California (USC) and a doctorate from Inha University. He has received honorary doctorate degrees from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University (Florida) and the Ukraine National Aviation University. He is currently the Board of Trustees chair of the Inha-Jeongseok Foundation which includes Inha and Hankuk Aviation universities, and is also a Board of Trustee member at USC.

Mr. Cho’s leadership has been widely recognized over the years. He was awarded the title of `Grand Officier’ in France’s Légion d’Honneur, ‘Polaris’ in Mongolia and also the `Mugunghwa Medal’ in Korea – all of which are the highest order of civil merit awarded in these countries.

Van Fleet Award
Received by

Walter Cho
Chairman and CEO
Korean Air

Walter Cho, Chairman and CEO of Hanjin Group and Korean Air, is a leader in the global aviation industry.

Mr. Cho started his career at Hanjin Information Systems and Telecommunication, an IT affiliate of Hanjin Group in 2003.The following year, he joined Korean Air and gained experience in core business areas. Mr. Cho led the Passenger Business, Corporate Strategy and Planning, Cargo Business until 2017 when he was named President and COO of Korean Air.

He played a pivotal role in launching Korean Air’s trans-Pacific joint venture with Delta Air Lines in May 2018. It has strengthened Korean Air’s network competitiveness, which has resulted in attracting premium demand. It is considered the most comprehensive trans-Pacific joint venture. He also guided the introduction of the airline’s next-generation environmentally-friendly aircraft including B787-9s, B747-8is, B777-300ERs, A321neos, and A220-300s, solidifying a long-term foundation for growth.

Equally important is Mr. Cho’s successful implementation of IT initiatives, producing a committed digital flight plan for the airline. He made the pioneering decision to migrate Korean Air’s entire IT system to Amazon Web Services’ cloud, empowering the airline to quickly and flexibly respond to market changes and customers’ needs. Korean Air has transformed its internal system to Google’s G-Suite, a cloud-based software that promotes productivity and collaboration.

Mr. Cho also is passionate about industry projects and expanding Korean Air’s presence in the global aviation community. He is a member of International Air Transport Association (IATA) Board of Governors, the highest policy-making body of the airline industry association. Mr. Cho also is Chairman of the SkyTeam Alliance Board. In June 2019, he served as President of the 75th IATA Annual General Meeting in Seoul.

Mr. Cho has a management style built on the values of communication and kindness, and is committed to establishing an open, constructive corporate culture within the airline.

Van Fleet Award
Received by

Ihssane Mounir
Senior Vice President Commercial Sales & Marketing
The Boeing Company

Ihssane Mounir is senior vice president of Commercial Sales & Marketing for The Boeing Company, the world’s largest aerospace company and the leading manufacturer of commercial airplanes and service provider of aftermarket support. Appointed to this position in 2016, Mounir is responsible for the sales and marketing of commercial airplanes and related services to airlines and leasing customers around the world.

Prior to his current role, Mounir held senior leadership positions in Boeing’s Commercial Sales & Marketing organization. For over five years, Mounir served as vice president of Sales for Northeast Asia, responsible for leading sales in the world’s largest and fastest growing market. Mounir and his team managed airline customer relationships and market development in China, Japan, Korea, Taiwan and Hong Kong.

Previous to that, Mounir served as vice president of Marketing, Sales Strategy and Operations. Prior to that assignment, Mounir led commercial airplane sales efforts in many regions around the world, including serving as vice president of Sales for Latin America, Africa and the Caribbean.

Mounir also served as business director and deputy vice president of Sales for Europe, Russia and Central Asia, a role he assumed after he served as sales director for East, West and North Africa. He also served as sales director for British Airways, Ethiopian Airlines, and other leading global carriers.

Mounir joined Boeing as a senior aerodynamics engineer in 1997. He received his Bachelors and Masters degrees in aerospace engineering from Wichita State University.

Throughout his career, Mounir has contributed to the aerospace community by authoring papers in the field of experimental and applied aerodynamics. His work and research have been honored with several awards by the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics.

Mounir serves on the National Advisory Board of Wichita State University, the Advisory Board of Wichita State’s School of Engineering, and is on the board of directors of FIRST Washington. He is married with four children.

Master of Ceremonies
Vivian Lee
Anchor/Reporter
Spectrum News NY1

Vivian Lee is an Emmy-nominated anchor, reporter and show host for Spectrum News NY1. Since joining NY1 in 2008, she has reported on local and national headlines, including an administrative judge’s recommendation of termination for NYPD Officer Daniel Pantaleo this summer, for his role in Eric Garner’s 2014 death.

She has anchored NY1’s team coverage on numerous stories, including Pope Francis’ historic visit to the US in 2015 and Osama Bin Laden’s assassination in 2011.

In March 2013, she was the first in the New York market to report the election of Pope Francis from Vatican City. Months before that, she reported on the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy from the Rockaways in Queens, and the Financial District.

Vivian’s career in New York started at WNBC in 2002, where she was a general assignment reporter until 2008 — but she first began reporting as a college sophomore at CJOH TV in Ottawa, Canada. She graduated with honors from Carleton University’s prestigious journalism program, and after stints as a reporter in Halifax and anchor in Calgary, she became CityTV Toronto’s Parliamentary Correspondent.

This year, Vivian received the Lifetime Engagement Award from the Korean American Family Service Center in New York. Vivian was also nominated this year for an Emmy for her profile of artist David Hockney for NY1’s “Spotlight NY.”

She lives in New York with her husband and two daughters.

Grace Kelly

WINNER of the John Lennon Songwriting Contest $20,000 Song of the Year Award for her song “Feels like Home”!

An unequivocal musical prodigy, singer-saxophonist-songwriter-composer Grace Kelly has rocked the jazz world with sold-out concerts, 13 acclaimed albums and a resume that includes performing at the Hollywood Bowl and as part of the house band for “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” – all before reaching her mid-twenties.

Kelly’s early career featured performances at Barack Obama’s 2009 inauguration at age 16 and at 14 as a soloist with the Boston Pops playing an original composition arranged for the legendary orchestra; she has since then played over 900 shows as bandleader in 35 countries at venues like the Kennedy Center and Moscow Symphony Hall and for the Montreal, Newport, and Montreux international jazz festivals. Touted for her scorching saxophone stylings and purring vocals, Kelly has performed and recorded with renowned artists including Lin Manuel- Miranda, Dave Brubeck, Phil Woods, Huey Lewis, Harry Connick Jr., Gloria Estefan, Questlove, and Wynton Marsalis.

As the Winner of “Song of the Year” for her single “Feels Like Home” in the 2018 John Lennon Songwriting Contest, Kelly has also won multiple ASCAP Composer Awards, Boston Music Awards, multiple DOWNBEAT music awards, International Songwriting Awards. She has also appeared as a featured performer in films and television, including acclaimed documentary “Sound of Redemption: The Frank Morgan Story”, Amazon’s Emmy-nominated original series “Bosch”, and featured in the 2017 Emmy-winning Yamaha production “The Right Note”

Featured by Vanity Fair as a millennial shaking up the jazz world, Kelly’s state-of-the-art brand of electro jazz-pop and inventive digital content are pushing her to the forefront of the fusion scene, alongside names like Snarky Puppy, Jacob Collier, Cory Henry, Robert Glasper, Jon Batiste, and Too Many Zooz.

“The GO TiME: Brooklyn album was a turning point in my career as a performer who loves connecting with audiences,” Kelly says. “Because we were able to use technology to capture the visual aspect and live energy of the show in a new way, I could really bring my whole dancing, furry-pink-boa-wearing self to the project – and the response was incredible. After over a decade of performing internationally and releasing albums, I’ve found that I grow so much as an artist when I focus on helping my fans feel the same exhilaration and joy that I do when I perform for them.”

Kelly’s live performance is offering a unique musical journey and contagious exuberance on stage, and will captivate audiences as she performs new songs from this new album GO TiME: Live in LA : her 13th CD and the third video album in the GO TiME series. The new release continues her innovative video album concept for fans by incorporating special guests and adding her own inventive dance moves while playing. Performing her fresh, playful musical stylings, Grace’s infectious positivity and charismatic stage presence bring a smile to everyone.

For further information about Grace Kelly, visit her website at www.grackellymusic.com, on Instagram at instagram.com/gkellymusic, on YouTube at www.youtube.com/gracekellymusic, on Facebook at facebook.com/GraceKellymusic, on or Twitter at @gracekellymusic

“…broad tone and tenacious flow on the alto saxophone, clearly in possession of virtuoso talents… impressive singing voice, flitting among a range of styles.” – NY Times

“[A] jazz innovator… Making jazz young” – BILLBOARD

“Grace Kelly’s songwriting is as amazing as her voice. ‘Feels Like Home’ is just one example of how her gentleness and subtlety can command attention and evoke strong emotion.” – Aloe Blacc (Chart-topping Singer/Songwriter/Producer)

DOWNLOAD REGISTRATION FORM

DINNER COMMITTEES

LEADER – $100,000
• 20 guests for VIP reception
• 20 guests in premium seating

BENEFACTOR – $50,000
• 10 guests for VIP reception; 10 guests for general reception
• 10 guests in priority seating; 10 guests in preferred seating

PATRON – $30,000
• 4 guests for VIP reception; 6 guests for general reception
• 10 guests in preferred seating

In addition to above benefits, Dinner Committees will receive recognition from the podium; full-page ad, corporate profile, and photo and bio of corporate representative in the dinner program book; listing on our website.

TABLE SPONSORSHIP

SPONSOR – $20,000
• 10 guests for dinner
• 2 guests for VIP reception; 8 guests for general reception
• Half-page ad; corporate profile with photo of corporate representative in the dinner program book

DONOR – $15,000
• 10 guests for general reception and dinner
• Half-page ad; corporate profile in the dinner program book

Contributor – $7,500
• 5 guests (half table) for general reception and dinner
• Corporate profile in the dinner program book

All table sponsors will be acknowledged on our website and in the dinner program book.

INDIVIDUAL TICKETS

PATRON COUPLE – $5,000
• 2 tickets for VIP reception and preferred seating
• Acknowledgement on our website and in the dinner program book

PATRON – $3,000
• 1 ticket for VIP reception and preferred seating
• Acknowledgement on our website and in the dinner program book

CONTRIBUTOR – $750
• 1 ticket for general reception and dinner

ASSOCIATE – $500
• 1 ticket for general reception and dinner

* This rate is available only for attendees from nonprofit and academic institutions, and young professionals without corporate sponsorship. Please confirm your eligibility with Jiyoung Suh.

Tickets

Full-page in the dinner program book – $10,000
Half-page in the dinner program book – $5,000

Table Sponsorship and Individual Patron ticket registrations must be confirmed by October 30, 2019 to be acknowledged in the dinner program.

Cancellations after October 31 will not be accepted.

The Korea Society is a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) organization. Contributions are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law.

For further information on sponsorship opportunities or to purchase tickets, please contact Jiyoung Suh or by phone at (212) 759-5360.

Co-Chair

The Boeing Company

The Korean Air

Benefactors

Citi

Delta Air Lines

Hyundai Motor America

LG Electronics USA

Patron

MetLife

Sponsors

Binggrae Corporation Ltd.

Consulate General of the ROK in New York

FILA

Donors

Korea International Trade Association NY Center

KPMG LLC

Poongsan Corporation

Contributor

Earth Therapeutics

Dentons US LLP

In His Presence Foundation

McLarty Associates

Additional Supporters

Hyosung

Maekyung Media Group

Special Acknowledgement

Mr. Young H.T. Cho

Mr. Mark Gaston

Mr. David L. Joyce

Mr. Sunny Park

Mrs. & General (Ret.) Walter “Skip” Sharp

2018 Annual Dinner

Posted on September 21, 2018May 25, 2026 by

Keynote Speaker

H.E. Harry Harris
U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Korea

Van Fleet Award Honoree

Sohn Kyung-Shik
Chairman
CJ Group

Master of Ceremonies

Juju Chang
Co-Anchor
ABC Nightline

The Plaza
Fifth Avenue at Central Park South, New York City

Reception 6:00 PM | Dinner 7:00 PM

Black Tie, Traditional Attire

Contact Angela I. Rhyee for any inquiries.

KEYNOTE SPEAKERAwardeeMaster of CeremoniesEntertainmentSUPPORT LEVELSSupporters

Keynote Speaker
H.E. Harry Harris
U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Korea

Ambassador Harry Harris was nominated by President Trump on May 23 and confirmed by the United States Senate on June 28 as U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Korea (ROK).

Ambassador Harris is married to Ms. Bruni Bradley, herself a career Naval officer.

Van Fleet Award Honoree
SOHN Kyung-Shik
Chairman
CJ Group

Mr. SOHN Kyung-Shik is Chairman of the CJ Group, one of Korea’s most innovative conglomerates. He also serves as Chairman and CEO of CJ Corporation and CJ CheilJedang Corporation. Since 1994, Mr. Sohn has led CJ’s successful efforts to spread Korean culture and content worldwide. Founded in 1953 as Korea’s first sugar manufacturer, CJ has grown into a global lifestyle brand that provides consumers with a diverse array of products and services through its businesses in food and food service, bio technology, retail and logistics, and entertainment and media.

On February of 2018, Mr. Sohn was appointed as the Chairman of the Korea Employers Federation (KEF), an organization dedicated to building a collaborative relationship between management and labor. Prior to serving as head of KEF, he was the Chairman of the Korea Chamber of Commerce & Industry from 2005 to 2013. He also remains as the Chairman of the Korea-Russia Friendship Association since 2010 and the Korea America Friendship Society since 2008.

Mr. Sohn continues to be recognized as a major contributor to the development and promotion of Korea. In honor of his contributions, Mr. Sohn has been awarded the Order of Civil Merit – Mugunghwa Medal by the Korean government in 2013. He was the recipient of the Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun in 2017, a prestigious award presented by the Japanese government for his contributions to strengthen economic relations between Japan and Korea. In 2011, Mr. Sohn received the Order of Do’stlik from the Uzbek government in 2011, commemorating his role in promoting friendly relations as a global leader.

Mr. Sohn has completed the Business School Advanced Management Program at Seoul National University and received his Masters of Business Administration at Oklahoma State University. Mr. Sohn also holds a Bachelors of Law from Seoul National University.

Master of Ceremonies
Juju Chang
Co-Anchor
ABC Nightline

Juju Chang is an Emmy Award-winning co-anchor of ABC News’ “Nightline.” She also reports regularly for “Good Morning America” and “20/20.”

Chang has been recognized for her in-depth personal narratives set against the backdrop of pressing national and international news. Her exclusive television interview with transgender solider Chelsea Manning, after seven years in prison, explored issues of national security leaks and LGBTQ military service. Her profile of former firefighter Pat Hardison – after a groundbreaking face transplant – highlighted the crisis of organ donation. Additionally, Chang anchored a special edition of “Nightline,” “Consent on Campus,” from Penn State which tackled complex issues surrounding sexual assault.

Chang has profiled newsmakers like Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg, former Vice President Joe Biden and Oprah Winfrey as well as entertainers like Chris Pratt, Channing Tatum, and Nicki Minaj. Her extensive feature reporting covers parenting dilemmas, digital addictions and social media moguls like Dude Perfect and Esther the Wonder Pig.

Musicians from NYO Jazz by Carnegie Hall

Carnegie Hall launched NYO Jazz in 2018, building on the success of its National Youth Orchestra of the USA, created in 2013. Each summer, the finest young jazz musicians ages 16–19 from across the United States come together to form NYO Jazz. Selected through a comprehensive audition process, these remarkable musicians engage in a rigorous two-week training residency in New York with world-class jazz masters.

Following its residency, NYO Jazz performs at Carnegie Hall before embarking on a tour to some of the world’s great music capitals. The musicians serve as dynamic music ambassadors as they share this uniquely American musical genre with people around the globe. NYO Jazz’s critically acclaimed debut tour in 2018, led by virtuoso trumpeter Sean Jones and featuring Dianne Reeves as special guest, took the ensemble to the London’s Cadogan Hall, Amsterdam’s Concertgebouw, the Edinburgh International Festival and Berlin’s Konzerthaus, among others. In 2019, a tour to Asia, with anticipated stops in China and Korea, is planned.

Korea Society appreciates the collaboration and participation of Carnegie Hall

DOWNLOAD REGISTRATION FORM

DINNER COMMITTEES

LEADER – $100,000
• 20 guests for VIP reception
• 20 guests in premium seating

BENEFACTOR – $50,000
• 10 guests for VIP reception; 10 guests for general reception
• 10 guests in priority seating; 10 guests in preferred seating

PATRON – $30,000
• 4 guests for VIP reception; 6 guests for general reception
• 10 guests in preferred seating

TABLE SPONSORSHIP

DONOR – $15,000
• 10 guests for general reception and dinner
• Half-page ad; corporate profile in the dinner program book

All table sponsors will be acknowledged on our website and in the dinner program book.

INDIVIDUAL TICKETS

PATRON COUPLE – $5,000
• 2 tickets for VIP reception and preferred seating
• Acknowledgement on our website and in the dinner program book

PATRON – $3,000
• 1 ticket for VIP reception and preferred seating
• Acknowledgement on our website and in the dinner program book

CONTRIBUTOR – $750
• 1 ticket for general reception and dinner

Full-page in the dinner program book – $10,000
Half-page in the dinner program book – $5,000

Cancellations after September 8 will not be accepted.

The Korea Society is a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) organization. Contributions are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law.

For further information or to register, please Angela I. Rhyee or at (212) 355-7033.

Chair

CJ America

Benefactors

Citigroup

Hyundai Motor America

LG Electronics USA

Patron

MetLife

Poongsan Corporation

Sponsors

Consulate General of the ROK in New York

Ernst & Young

FILA

Donors

Korea International Trade Association NY Center

KPMG LLC

PwC

Additional Supporters

Anthrop-J Investment Group

Chong Kun Dang Kochon Foundation

Hyosung

KINTEX

McLarty Associates

Special Acknowledgement

Mr. Mark Gaston

Mrs. & General (Ret.) Walter “Skip” Sharp

2017 Annual Dinner

Posted on September 28, 2017May 25, 2026 by

Van Fleet Award Honoree & Special Guest

2016 Annual Dinner KwonOhJoon icon

The Honorable George W. Bush
43rd President of the United States
Founder, George W. Bush Presidential Center

MODERATOR

Victor Cha
Professor of Government and Director of Asian Studies, Georgetown University
Senior Adviser and Korea Chair, Center for Strategic and International Studies
Fellow in Human Freedom, George W. Bush Institute

MASTER OF CEREMONIES

Juju Chang
Co-Anchor, ABC Nightline

ENTERTAINMENT

Kenny G
Saxophonist

***

The Plaza
Fifth Avenue at Central Park South, New York City
Reception 6:00 PM | Dinner 7:00 PM
Business or Cocktail Attire

Awardee | Special GuestMODERATORMaster of CeremoniesENTERTAINMENTPRESENTERINTRODUCTION OF AWARD HONOREESupporters

2016 Annual Dinner KwonOhJoon icon
Van Fleet Award Honoree & Special Guest
The Honorable George W. Bush
43rd President of the United States
Founder, George W. Bush Presidential Center

George W. Bush served as the 43rd President of the United States from 2001 to 2009.

President Bush was born on July 6, 1946, in New Haven, Connecticut, to Barbara and George H.W. Bush – later the 41st President of the United States. In 1948, the family moved to Texas, where George W. Bush grew up in Midland and Houston. He received a bachelor’s degree in history from Yale University in 1968 and a master’s degree in business administration from the Harvard Business School in 1975. He served as a pilot in the Texas Air National Guard from 1968 to 1974. Afterward, he settled in Midland, where he started an energy business and married Laura Welch on November 5, 1977. After working on his father’s successful 1988 Presidential campaign, George W. Bush joined a group of partners that purchased the Texas Rangers baseball franchise in 1989.

On November 8, 1994, George W. Bush was elected the 46th Governor of Texas. In 1998, he became the first governor in Texas history to be elected to consecutive four-year terms.

After the Presidency, George and Laura Bush founded the George W. Bush Presidential Center in Dallas, Texas. The Center is home to the Bush Presidential Museum and Library, which houses George W. Bush’s presidential papers. The Center also is home to the George W. Bush Institute, a public policy organization that focuses on economic growth, education reform, global health, and human freedom. The Institute supports the rights of women with its Women’s Initiative and honors those who have served in the United States armed forces through its Military Service Initiative.

President Bush is the author of a bestselling memoir, Decision Points (2010), as well as a book about his father, President George H.W. Bush, entitled 41: A Portrait of My Father (2014). On February 28, 2017, President Bush released his latest book, Portraits of Courage: A Commander in Chief’s Tribute to America’s Warriors, a vibrant collection of oil paintings and stories by President Bush honoring the sacrifice and courage of America’s military veterans. He and Laura have twin daughters, Barbara and Jenna, a son-in-law, Henry Hager, and two granddaughters, Mila and Poppy Louise Hager. The Bush family also includes a dog, Freddy, and two cats, Bob and Bernadette.

2016 Annual Dinner KwonOhJoon icon Victor Cha
Professor of Government and Director of Asian Studies, Georgetown University
Senior Adviser and Korea Chair, Center for Strategic and International Studies
Fellow in Human Freedom, George W. Bush Institute

Victor Cha joined CSIS in May 2009 as a senior adviser and the inaugural holder of the Korea Chair. He is also director of Asian studies and holds the D.S. Song-KF Chair in the Department of Government and School of Foreign Service at Georgetown University. From 2004 to 2007, he served as director for Asian affairs at the White House on the National Security Council (NSC), where he was responsible primarily for Japan, the Korean peninsula, Australia/New Zealand, and Pacific Island nation affairs. Dr. Cha was also the deputy head of delegation for the United States at the Six-Party Talks in Beijing and received two Outstanding Service Commendations during his tenure at the NSC. He is the award-winning author of Alignment Despite Antagonism: The United States-Korea-Japan Security Triangle (Stanford University Press, 1999), winner of the 2000 Ohira Book Prize; Nuclear North Korea: A Debate on Engagement Strategies, with Dave Kang (Columbia University Press, 2004); Beyond the Final Score: The Politics of Sport in Asia (Columbia University Press, 2009); and The Impossible State: North Korea, Past and Future (Ecco, 2012), selected by Foreign Affairs magazine as a 2012 “Best Book on Asia and the Pacific.” His newest book is Powerplay: Origins of the American Alliance System in Asia (Princeton University Press, 2016). He has written articles on international relations and East Asia in journals including Foreign Affairs, International Security, Political Science Quarterly, Survival, International Studies Quarterly, and Asian Survey.

Dr. Cha is a former John M. Olin National Security Fellow at Harvard University, a two-time Fulbright Scholar, and a Hoover National Fellow, CISAC Fellow, and William J. Perry Fellow at Stanford University. He holds Georgetown University’s Dean’s Teaching Award for 2010 and the Distinguished Research Award for 2011. He serves as an independent consultant and has testified before Congress on Asian security issues. He has been a guest analyst for various media, including CNN, ABC Nightline, NBC Today Show, CBS Morning Show, Fox News, MSNBC, CNBC, BBC, ESPN, Sports Illustrated, and National Public Radio. He has a cameo role (as himself) in the action film Red Dawn (Contrafilm, MGM, Vincent Newman Entertainment, 2012). Dr. Cha holds a B.A., an M.I.A., and a Ph.D. from Columbia University, as well as an M.A. from Oxford University.

2016 Annual Dinner KwonOhJoon icon
Juju Chang
Co-Anchor
ABC Nightline

Juju Chang is an Emmy Award-winning co-anchor of ABC News’ “Nightline.” She also reports regularly for “Good Morning America” and “20/20.”

Chang has been recognized for her in-depth personal narratives set against the backdrop of pressing national and international news. Her exclusive television interview with transgender solider Chelsea Manning, after seven years in prison, explored issues of national security leaks and LGBTQ military service. Her profile of former firefighter Pat Hardison – after a groundbreaking face transplant – highlighted the crisis of organ donation. Additionally, Chang anchored a special edition of “Nightline,” “Consent on Campus,” from Penn State which tackled complex issues surrounding sexual assault.

2016 Annual Dinner KwonOhJoon icon
Kenny G
Saxophonist

Photo Credit: Chapman Baehler

In a recording career that spans almost three decades and 23 albums, GRAMMY and American Music Award -winning saxophonist Kenny G has grafted elements of R&B, pop and Latin to a jazz foundation solidifying his reputation as the premiere artist in contemporary jazz. With global sales totaling more than 75 million, Kenny G is the biggest-selling instrumental musician of all time. Seven of his singles have hit the Top-40 on the Billboard Hot 100. He has also been ranked as one of the most-played artists in the Adult Contemporary format – with nine Top Ten singles, and he has collaborated with some of the biggest names in the business, ranging from Michael Bolton to Katy Perry to Weezer to Whitney Houston. To add to these accolades, Kenny G has both the best-selling instrumental album of all time with Breathless, and the best-selling Christmas album of all time with Miracles.”

2016 Annual Dinner KwonOhJoon icon
Joseph Kim
Senior, Bard College

Recipient of the North Korea Freedom Scholarship Fund from the George W. Bush Institute

Joseph was born in 1990 and grew up during the famine in North Korea. After his father died of starvation, his mother and sister went to China. He was left homeless, living on the streets and having to steal and beg to survive. He eventually escaped to China where he connected with an international NGO called Liberty in North Korea (LiNK), who helped him on his journey to freedom, resettling in the United States in 2007 as a refugee. Joseph is a former America Needs You Fellow and Council of Korean Americans Fellow. This past summer, Joseph interned at CSIS Korea Chair under Dr. Victor Cha as a research intern.

Today he is studying political studies at Bard College and has become an advocate for the North Korean people, having spoken at TED Global and the UN. In 2015, he published a memoir titled “Under the Same Sky.” Joseph is one of the first recipients of George W. Bush Institute’s North Korean Freedom Scholarship for refugees.

New York, May 18, 2016
Joseph Kim
Senior, Bard College
Recipient of the North Korea Freedom Scholarship Fund from the George W. Bush Institute

We hear news about North Korea all the time. But what does North Korea mean to you? For me, it is a place where I was born, where I lived with my mother, father and sister who loved me so much; a place where I would spend summers with my friends playing in the river and jumping off trees. It is also the place where I lost my entire family. I saw my father wither away and die of starvation when I was 12 years old; I said my last goodbye to my older sister not knowing she would never return because she would be sold to a man in China; I lost my mom to a North Korean prison; and then it was just me, all by myself living on the streets.

When I could not fall asleep from the bitter cold and hunger pains, I hoped that the next morning, my sister would find me and wake me up with my favorite food. That hope kept me alive. When I approached people in the food courts in the city markets, they would cover their nose and swat me away as though I were a fly. They called me homeless, orphan and beggar; some even called me human trash. And that hurt me because I was also someone else’s precious son and brother. Before I had a chance to decide who I was on my own terms, my identity was defined by others.

Although North Korea is a place that gave me many sad memories, it is still a place so close to my heart. It was the last place where my family was together, and the place where my father is buried.

In South Africa’s international airport, I saw a message on the wall saying, “They call it Africa, but we call it home.” Without a doubt, North Korea is one of the darkest places in the world. Even so, it is still my home, and home to 24 million North Korean people today. It is a place that must be restored and not destroyed.

The road to destroy is an easier path while the road to restore is a harder one. I believe it takes tremendous commitment and courage to pursue the harder road, and President Bush is someone who has demonstrated what that commitment looks like through his ongoing commitment and care for North Korean human rights issues and North Korean refugees here in the United States. Because he believes in the potential of North Korean refugees, his commitment and support to our community through scholarships and mentorship programs will ensure that our potentials are realized and will give us opportunities to pursue higher education. He has not only helped us to overcome many challenges, but has ultimately empowered many of us in our ultimate goal of helping to make our motherland—North Korea—a better place, by bettering ourselves.

But my appreciation to President Bush extends beyond what he has contributed to North Korean refugees; it’s rather that he has taught me to be a truly caring person. Three years ago, I received an invitation to meet him in Dallas. I was hesitant of whether I should go or not. It was during my midterm week, and plus I was just a college student; I was overwhelmed because I thought I had to know about high politics. Nonetheless, I decided to accept the invitation mainly because how many college students will ever get to say, “I’ve met President Bush?”

When I arrived in Texas, a good friend and North Korean human rights activist, told me that I should thank him because it was President Bush who signed the North Korean Human Rights Act that allowed North Koreans the opportunity to come to the U.S. That day, I thanked him with my words, but not with my heart.

But during the meeting, instead of discussing politics, President Bush asked me about my story. With a warm and fatherly tone, he asked how I escaped, how difficult it was living in China. And finally, he asked what my dream was. I struggled so much to answer that question, partially because I was nervous, and mostly because I did not know what my dream was.

I had never had a real dream before. When I was on the streets as a homeless beggar, my dream was to have a day where I could eat three meals. Then when I to the United States, food was no longer an issue. I did not know what to do with my life in the U.S. and was totally overwhelmed by the grand freedom that I suddenly had. I talked on and on like this to President Bush without really answering his question.

Everyone in the room was probably wondering when was this kid going to stop talking nonsense, and I knew I wasn’t really making a point. But President Bush listened so patiently with genuine interest.

His character and his genuineness really touched me that day, and so it piqued my interest to learn more about the bill that he had signed into law. I began to realize how significantly the North Korean Human Rights Act affected the lives of many North Korean refugees. Over two hundred refugees, like me, had the opportunity to come to America and begin new lives. Today, some are running small businesses; some are studying in college with the hope of helping to change their motherland some day; and I personally know of one friend who is concentrating his efforts on working out a lot so that he can achieve a six-pack. For many people these may seem like trivial and ordinary things, but for many North Koreans, the lives we have here are perhaps the lifelong dreams we have waited for so long to achieve.

President Bush, I have said this before, and I will say it again tonight: Thank you, with my whole heart for allowing North Korean refugees to come to the U.S. And I am so glad to have met you, not because you were a President of the United States, but for the caring and genuine person that you are and for giving me a chance to come to America to have a new life.

Because of people like you who recognizes that the North Korean people also deserved to have freedom and treated with human dignity, I have faith that North Korean people will be liberated eventually. And I look forward to welcoming you to my hometown one day to celebrate the freedom of the people you had cared so much for. Congratulations on tonight’s award!

Chair

Poongsan Corporation

Leader

LG Electronics USA

Benefactor

Citigroup

Hyosung

Hyundai Motor Group

Korea Zinc

Patron

MetLife

Sponsor

Corning Incorporated

Ernst & Young

Korean Consulate General in New York

Donor

FILA Global and Acushnet Company

Korea International Trade Association

KPMG LLC

PwC

Additional Supporters

POSCO

Anthrop-J Investment Group

Dentons

Gale International

HLP Integration

McLarty Associates

Special Acknowledgement

Mr. Mark Gaston

Ms. Julia Quincy

Mrs. & General (Ret.) Walter “Skip” Sharp

Bentley Meeker Lighting & Staging at the Plaza Hotel

2016 Annual Dinner

Posted on May 18, 2016May 25, 2026 by

2016 05 18 Annual-dinner billboard-Recovered2

The Plaza
Fifth Avenue at Central Park South, New York City
Reception 6:00 PM | Dinner 7:00 PM
Black Tie, Traditional Attire

Ban Ki-moon's RemarksKwon Ohjoon's RemarksPresident’s GreetingsSpeakers & AwardeeMusicSupportersSUPPORT LEVELS

New York, May 18, 2016
Ban Ki-moon
Secretary-General
United Nations

I am honoured to address the Korea Society in my final year as Secretary-General of the United Nations.

I am a proud past recipient of the Society’s Van Fleet Award, which I received in 2004, when I was the Republic of Korea’s Minister of Foreign Affairs.

I congratulate tonight’s winner, the Honorable Kwon Ohjoon, the Chairman of Posco, one of Korea’s leading manufacturing companies.

I have had the privilege of addressing the Korea Society on many occasions through the years.

Again and again, I have seen how the Korea Society continues to play a vital bridge-building role between the Republic of Korea and the United States. The two-way traffic has been busy and beneficial.

In the same way, as Secretary-General, I have tried to bring Korea to the world, and the world to Korea.

As someone who grew up in war-torn Korea, I brought with me a strong sense of the difference the United Nations can make – and firsthand proof that a country can rewrite its future.

Early in my tenure, I came here to the Korea Society and stressed that climate change would be one of my top priorities. Last month, our efforts made history when 175 countries signed the Paris Agreement — the most signatures on any international treaty, convention or agreement on a single day. I will count on Korea to be among the early ratifiers. I urge Korean businesses to seize the opportunities of renewable energy and low-carbon growth.

I also emphasized the need to accelerate efforts to reach the eight Millennium Development Goals. Now we have a new generation of 17 Sustainable Development Goals, or SDGs – an inspiring blueprint for prosperity and peace on a healthy planet.

These milestones point the way toward a better future for all.

But we also face serious tests. Conflicts from Syria to Darfur. The refugee crisis. Terrorism and extremism. Violence against women and girls. Discrimination against minorities.

The situation on the Korean Peninsula is a further source of concern.

Despite continuous international efforts, tensions have not subsided. Instead we have seen the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea conduct provocative nuclear tests and missile launches, in defiance of Security Council resolutions. Human rights violations in the DPRK have been well documented by United Nations experts – including thousands of political detainees suffering in harsh conditions. Hunger and malnutrition remain at deeply troubling levels. Meanwhile, military spending grows.

I strongly encourage the DPRK to prevent further escalation, comply with its international obligations, and return to multilateral negotiations. A diplomatic solution is the only way out of such a complex and dangerous situation. I also encourage the DPRK to heed the recommendations that have emerged from its dialogue with the Human Rights Council through the Universal Periodic Review.

The international community agrees – it is time for peace, stability and verifiable denuclearization on the Korean Peninsula. More nuclear weapons and more ballistic missiles will only mean more insecurity for the DPRK and its people.

As Secretary-General, I will spare no effort to support meaningful engagement towards peace, prosperity and justice on the Korean Peninsula.

The relationship between the two Koreas is critical for lasting peace. Both sides should engage in dialogue that can bring the people closer. Humanitarian matters, such as family reunions and life-saving assistance to the most vulnerable, including children, should be decoupled from political and security matters. I hope we can bring forward the day when the Peninsula’s young people craft a future of unity, prosperity and dignity for all.

Looking more broadly across Asia, we can see a region continuing its rise while facing challenges that endanger prosperity and stability. These include competing territorial or maritime claims and political and communal tensions.

I welcome the renewed initiative by the Republic of Korea, Japan and China to hold high-level meetings more regularly.

My strong counsel to all countries in the region is the same:

Engage in dialogue.

Expand productive cooperation.

Move towards mutual trust and full reconciliation.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I wish the Korea Society continued success. It will be especially important for you to reach out to younger generations. The future of Korea’s global identity depends on nurturing global-mindedness among Korean youth today.

The international help that Koreans received decades ago creates a moral obligation for us to help others today. At the same time, it is essential to building a better world for all.

Your efforts and mine depend on our allegiance not only to Korean identity or American identity, but to the great cause of humanity that binds us.

I still remember my sense of hope upon seeing the United Nations flag all those years ago. For the past decade, I have tried to bring that same feeling to others – and to leave to my successor an Organization that stands steadfastly with all people in their quest for lives of dignity, justice and peace.

Thank you.

New York, May 18, 2016
Kwon Ohjoon
Chairman & CEO
POSCO

His Excellency Ambassador Thomas Hubbard, Chairman of The Korea Society, Mr. Thomas Byrne, President of The Korea Society, His Excellency Ban Ki-moon, Secretary-General of the United Nations, His Excellency Oh Joon, Korean Ambassador to the United Nations, His Excellency Ambassador Donald Gregg, former Chairman of The Korea Society and former US Ambassador to the Republic of Korea, Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen.

A very good evening and thank you so much for your kind introduction. It is truly a privilege and an honor for me to stand before you and accept this most prestigious James Van Fleet Award.

I came to realize how prestigious this award was when I first saw the list of former recipients. They include three former Presidents of both our countries, Jimmy Carter, George H. W. Bush and Kim Dae Jung, as well as distinguished diplomats including UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon, and military and business leaders.

I feel extremely humbled to be recognized along with such prominent individuals.

For nearly sixty years, The Korea Society has played a vital role in cementing close bonds of friendship between the United States and the Republic of Korea by dedicating itself to the promotion of greater awareness, deeper understanding and closer cooperation between the peoples of our two nations.

I believe the success of The Korea Society can be credited to the contributions of General James A. Van Fleet who served as its first President beginning in 1957.

During the Korean War, General James Van Fleet brought not only an exceptional military record but also leadership of great stature with highest ideals.

He courageously commanded the UN troops at the very forefront during the Korean War with the steadfast goals of defending the people of the Republic of Korea and preserving democracy on the Korean Peninsula.

His own son, Lieutenant James Van Fleet Junior, also volunteered as a combat pilot but tragically went missing in action during his mission near the Yalu River. General Van Fleet suspended the search and rescue operations for his son out of concern for putting additional soldiers’ lives at risk.

Although his son James never made it back home, his noble spirit of self-sacrifice will be remembered forever by those of us with any connection to the Korean War conflict.

In fact, this is the story I read in the social studies book when I was in the 5th grade in elementary school.

That was also my first encounter with General Van Fleet.

The name of General Van Fleet has remain embedded in the hearts and in the minds of Korean people, symbolizing strong bonds of the relationship between our two nations.

In today’s modern era where self-centered egoism is often the generally accepted norm, James Van Fleet’s legacy of bravery and sacrifice continues to serve as a valuable moral lesson for today’s young generation of Koreans.

Tomorrow, I will be travelling to Washington DC to visit Arlington National Cemetery and pay homage and tribute to General James Van Fleet and the fallen soldiers who gave their lives on Korean soil.

On a personal note, I was born just 20 days before the outbreak of the Korean War in a small town in South Korea. One of the fiercest battles in the modern history was recorded near the Nakdong River close to my hometown, and this battle forced my family to evacuate southwards.

The evacuation trail stretched 200kms or 125 miles and my parents had a hard time carrying a 20 day-old new born baby enwrapped in blankets.

I still recall when I was studying metallurgical engineering at the University of Pittsburgh some 40 years ago how fortunate and privileged I felt to have the opportunity to come to the United States to further pursue my studies and career ambitions. If the US had not come to the aid of the Korean people or if we in the South had lost the war, I would not be standing here nor would POSCO be the successful global steelmaker as it is today.

As CEO of POSCO, I am also proud to remind that this year marks the 30th anniversary of UPI, a 400 million dollar joint venture between POSCO and US Steel.

UPI has served as an exemplary success story, a testament to the benefits of joint efforts put forth by POSCO and US Steel and also to the close alliance between our two great countries.

In a couple of years, POSCO will celebrate its Golden Jubilee, 50th anniversary. While this anniversary will provide a day when we can celebrate how well we have done in the past, it will have a greater focus on how we gather and prepare ourselves for the challenges that lie ahead over the next 50 years.

Regardless of how well we meet these challenges, I know that the strong relationship between the United States of America and the Republic of Korea will continue and grow.

In humbly accepting your recognition and this distinguished award, I would like to close by expressing once again, my deepest appreciation to The Korea Society for its role in promoting the close bonds of friendship between us.

Thank you.

New York, May 18, 2016
Thomas J. Byrne
President
The Korea Society

It is an honor for me to make my first greetings at a Korea Society annual dinner and to see many new and old friends here.

I would like to express my thanks to all stakeholders—the board of directors, corporate and individual members, donors, government officials and friends–who demonstrate their bedrock of support in joining us here this evening to celebrate the Korea Society’s 59th anniversary.

And I must note that Ambassador Tom Hubbard, whose diplomatic skills I frequently rely on, has worked tirelessly as chairman of the board in advancing the mission of the Society.

I would also like to extend special thanks to Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon for demonstrating his support to the Society as our keynote speaker this evening.

And I would like to thank Chairman Kwon Ohjun and POSCO, our Van Fleet Award honoree, for their support to the Korea Society.

In the short period I have served as president of the Society, although we are facing challenges, I believe we are on the path to achieving key goals laid out by the board of directors when I came on board in August 2015.

These include leading the staff collaboratively, enhancing visibility and expanding the scope and reach of the Society’s activities.

Leadership: The reorganization approved at the January board of directors meeting enhances teamwork and collegiality, and also allows for greater mentoring and empowerment of junior staff.

The pay-off is already tangible, including what we can see before us this evening. The organization of the Annual Dinner was truly a team effort, all staff members chipping in, as well as our interns, whose contributions are considerable.

Activities: Going forward, the Korea Society will seek to enhance its relevance and provide greater value to its members.

Attendance at our public programs held at the Society has pick-upped, and our outreach is broadening. Our private, roundtable Kim Koo seminars have attracted a growing network of diverse professionals from many walks of life.

A history class from the US Military Academy came down from West Point to attend our Korea-Japan Relations program co-hosted with the Japan Society. And a class from St. Anne’s High School came over from Brooklyn to attend two programs on North Korea. We have also leveraged our outreach efforts through remote, video broadcasts of our public programs. Live watchers of our program broadcasts jumped almost three-fold in the first three months of 2016 compared with the same period last year.

Turning to our Education Program, Project Bridge conducted its annual exchange program last month involving 16 high-school students and four teachers from NYC and LA. The highlight of the trip was the visit to Poongsan High School in Andong, Kyungsangbuk-do. The Korea’s Society’s former president and chairman, Ambassador Don Gregg, started Project Bridge in 1993.

Visibility: We inaugurated in March an annual outreach dinner for supporters and friends in Seoul. Ambassador Mark Lippert and General Curtis Scaparrotti gave remarks on the state of the ROK-US alliance and the threat from North Korea.

We have also engaged the TK/Public Relations firm to function as our External Communications Department. In the two months since we joined forces, the WSJ, NYT and Huffington Post have published an Op-Ed article, a Letter-to-the-Editor and a Feature Article, respectively.

In closing, I have referred to the mission of the Korea Society in my remarks. Now I would like to read the original mission statement found in the 1957 Certificate of Incorporation of The Korea Society which is a bit longer and loftier than the most recent version. General James Van Fleet was one of its signers, whose grandson, Joseph Van Fleet, is here this evening. It reads:

To further and continue the friendly relationship that has long existed between the American people and the people of Korea through mutual understanding and appreciation of their respective cultures aims, ideals, arts, sciences, and industries, to the end that their peoples may, through an ever closer cooperation, continue their contribution to the improvement of mankind.

2016 Annual Dinner BanKiMoon icon Keynote Speaker
Ban Ki-moon
Secretary-General
United Nations

Ban Ki-moon is the eighth Secretary-General of the United Nations. His priorities have been to mobilize world leaders around a set of new global challenges, from climate change and economic upheaval to pandemics and increasing pressures involving food, energy and water. He has sought to be a bridge-builder, to give voice to the world’s poorest and most vulnerable people, and to strengthen the Organization itself. “I grew up in war”, the Secretary-General has said, “and saw the United Nations help my country to recover and rebuild. That experience was a big part of what led me to pursue a career in public service. As Secretary-General, I am determined to see this Organization deliver tangible, meaningful results that advance peace, development and human rights.”

The Secretary-General was born in the Republic of Korea on 13 June 1944. He received a bachelor’s degree in international relations from Seoul National University in 1970. In 1985, he earned a master’s degree in public administration from the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University. At the time of his election as Secretary-General, Mr. Ban was his country’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade. His 37 years of service with the Ministry included postings in New Delhi, Washington D.C. and Vienna, and responsibility for a variety of portfolios, including Foreign Policy Adviser to the President, Chief National Security Adviser to the President, Deputy Minister for Policy Planning and Director-General of American Affairs.

Mr. Ban’s ties to the United Nations date back to 1975, when he worked for the Foreign Ministry’s United Nations Division. That work expanded over the years, with assignments that included service as Chairman of the Preparatory Commission for the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty Organization and Chef de Cabinet during the Republic of Korea’s 2001-2002 presidency of the UN General Assembly.

The Secretary-General speaks English, French and Korean. He and his wife, Madam Yoo (Ban) Soon-taek, whom he met in high school in 1962, have one son, two daughters and three grandchildren. Since 2007, Mrs. Ban has devoted her attention to women’s and children’s health, including autism, the elimination of violence against women, and the campaign to prevent mother-to-child transmission of HIV/AIDS.

Mr. Ban took office on 1 January 2007. On 21 June 2011, he was unanimously re-elected by the General Assembly and will continue to serve until 31 December 2016.

2016 Annual Dinner KwonOhJoon icon Van Fleet Award Honoree
Kwon Ohjoon
Chairman & CEO
POSCO

Dr. Kwon Ohjoon is Representative Director and Chief Executive Officer of POSCO. Prior to his appointment in March 2014, he was President and Chief Technology Officer of POSCO since March 2012.

Dr. Kwon joined POSCO in 1986 and led the development of its technology and research division. He served as Head of Technical Research Laboratories of POSCO from 1996 to 2009 and CEO of RIST(Research Institute of Industrial Science & Technology) from 2009 to 2011.

Since February 2014, Chairman Kwon has been serving as Vice Chairman of the Federation of Korean Industries and the Korea Employers Federation. He was appointed as Chairman of the Korea Iron & Steel Association and the Korea-Australia Business Council in March 2014. Dr. Kwon was also elected as a Member of the Executive Committee of the World Steel Association in October 2014 and as Chairman of the Board of Trustees at POSTECH Foundation in January 2015. In June 2015, he was appointed as Chairman of the National Academy Engineering of Korea.

Dr. Kwon was awarded the Outstanding Young Member Award from American Society for Metals in 1980. He was also awarded the IR52 Jang Young Shil Award from Korea Industrial Technology Association in 1996 and the Charles Hatchett Award from The Institute of Materials (UK) in 1997. Some of the other awards and recognitions Mr. Kwon received include the Order of Industrial Service Merit – Bronze Tower from Government of Korea in 2008 and The Best CTO Award from Korea Industrial Technology Association in 2013.

Dr. Kwon completed his doctorate in Materials Science & Engineering from The University of Pittsburgh in 1985. He also holds Bachelor of Science in Metallurgy from the Seoul National University in 1972.

Born on July 6, 1950, Dr. Kwon is married and has a son and a daughter.

2016 RICHARD YONGJAE ONEILL
Richard Yongjae O”Neill
Viola

Praised by the London Times as “ravishing,” the New York Times for his “elegant, velvety tone,” the Los Angeles Times as “energetic and sassy…exceptional,” and Seattle Times as “sublime,” VIOLIST RICHARD YONGJAE O’NEILL has distinguished himself as one of the great instrumentalists of his generation. An Emmy Award winner, two-time Grammy nominee, and Avery Fisher Career Grant recipient, he has achieved recognition and critical acclaim not only as a champion of his instrument but as a social and musical ambassador as well. He has appeared as soloist with the London, Los Angeles, Seoul, and Euro-Asian Philharmonics; the BBC, KBS, and Korean Symphonies; the Moscow, Vienna, and Württemburg Chamber Orchestras; and Alte Musik Köln with conductors Andrew Davis, Miguel Harth Bedoya, Vladimir Jurowski, Vassily Sinaisky, Leonard Slatkin and Yannick Nezet-Sequin. Highlights of this season include recitals at the Louvre, collaborations with Gidon Kremer, concertos with Kremerata Baltica and the Hiroshima Symphony, a European tour and Complete Beethoven String Quartet Cycle with the Ehnes Quartet and his tenth season as Artistic Director of DITTO.

As recitalist he has performed in many of the greatest halls of the world including Carnegie, Alice Tully, Avery Fisher, Kennedy Center, Wigmore Hall, Salle Cortot, the Louvre, Madrid’s National Concert Hall, Buenos Aires’s Teatro Colon, Tokyo’s International Forum and Opera City, Osaka Symphony Hall and Seoul Arts Center. An Artist of the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center as well as Principal Violist of Camerata Pacifica he frequently collaborates with the world’s greatest musicians including Emanuel Ax, Jeremy Denk, Leon Fleisher, Warren Jones, Garrick Ohlsson, Menahem Pressler, Daniil Trifonov, James Ehnes, Steven Isserlis, Edgar Meyer and The Emerson Quartet, among many others. Festival appearances include Marlboro, Aspen, Bridgehampton, Casals, Chamber Music Northwest, Dresden, Great Mountains, La Folle Journée, La Jolla, Mecklenburg, Menlo, Mostly Mozart, Prussia Cove, Saint Barthélemy, Saratoga, Seattle and Tongyeong.

A UNIVERSAL/DG recording artist, he has made eight solo albums that have sold more than 150,000 copies and has remained for over a decade one of the best selling South Korean recording artists with multiple platinum disc awards. Dedicated to the music of our time, he has worked with Mario Davidovsky, Jo Kondo, Chris Paul Harman, Matthias Pintscher, George Tsontakis, Melinda Wagner, John Zorn, and has premiered works composed for him by Elliott Carter, John Harbison, Huang Ruo, and Paul Chihara. In his ninth season as artistic director of DITTO he has introduced tens of thousands to chamber music in South Korea and Japan: on its first international tour DITTO sold out Tokyo’s International Forum and Osaka Symphony Hall.

The first violist to receive the Artist Diploma from Juilliard, he holds a Bachelors of Music from The USC Thornton School of Music magna cum laude and a Masters from The Juilliard School. In 2007 he was honored with a Proclamation from the New York City Council for his achievement and contribution to the arts. He serves as Goodwill Ambassador for the Korean Red Cross, The Special Olympics, and UNICEF, runs marathons for charity and serves on the faculty of The Herb Alpert School of Music at UCLA and The Music Academy of the West.

Leader

POSCO

Benefactor

Gale International

Hyundai Motor America

LG Electronics

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd

Patron

Citigroup

MetLife

Sponsor

Ernst & Young

FILA Global and Acushnet Company

Korean Consulate General in New York

Poongsan

Donor

Kelley Drye & Warren LLP

KPMG LLC

Noah Bank

PwC

Dentons

HLP Integration

Conributor

Anthrop-J Korea Large Cap

Daniel Gale Sotheby’s International Reality

Korea International Trade Association

Lotte

McLarty Associates

Maekyung Media Group

Dinner Committe

Leader at $100,000
• Premium seating for 20 guests, as well as choice seating for an additional 20 guests
• Private reception tickets for 20 guests
• Podium recognition
• Full-page corporate profile with photo and bio in the dinner program book
• Full-page ad
• Acknowledgement on the Web site and in other print publications

Benefactor at $50,000
• Priority seating for 20 guests
• Private reception tickets for 10 guests
• Podium recognition
• Full-page corporate profile with photo and bio in the dinner program book
• Full-page ad
• Acknowledgement on the Web site and in other print publications

Patron at $30,000
• Choice seating for 10 guests
• Private reception tickets for 6 guests
• Podium recognition
• Half-page corporate profile with photo and bio in the dinner program book
• Half-page ad
• Acknowledgement on the Web site and in other print publications

Sponsor at $17,000
• Seating for 10 guests
• Private reception tickets for 2 guests
• Half-page corporate profile with photo in the dinner program book
• Half-page ad
• Acknowledgement on the Web site and in other print publications

Table Sponsors

Donor at $12,000
• Seating for 10 guests
• Acknowledgement in the dinner program book, on the Web site, and in other print publications

Contributor at $7,000
• Seating for 5 guests (half-table)
• Acknowledgement in the dinner program book, on the Web site, and in other print publications

Tickets

Patron ($3,000) / Patron Couple (2 tickets, $5,000)
One ticket for the general reception and dinner, choice seating, and acknowledgment in the dinner program book and other publications

Contributor ($700)
One ticket for the general reception and dinner

Associate ($500)*
One ticket for the general reception and dinner
*This rate is available only for attendees from governmental, nonprofit, and academic institutions, and young professionals without corporate sponsorship. (Please confirm your eligibility with Angela Rhyee )

Advertisements

Full-page Ad ($20,000)
• Full-page corporate advertisement in the dinner program book

Half-page Ad ($10,000)
• Half-page corporate advertisement in the dinner program book

Contributions are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law. The estimated fair market value of each ticket is $350. The balance is a donation to The Korea Society.

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Category: Annual Dinner

2025 Annual Dinner

2024 Annual Dinner

2023 Annual Dinner

The Korea Society’s 65th Anniversary Dinner

2021 Annual Dinner

2020 Annual Gala

2019 Annual Dinner

2018 Annual Dinner

Keynote Speaker

Van Fleet Award Honoree

Master of Ceremonies

2017 Annual Dinner

Van Fleet Award Honoree & Special Guest

2016 Annual Dinner