The Korea Society’s Abraham Kim, Ph.D., and Amb. Kathleen Stephens Meet the Press in Seoul 

During his inaugural visit to Seoul as President & CEO of The Korea Society, Abraham Kim, Ph.D., met with members of the press alongside Board Chair Kathleen Stephens, former U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Korea. The press conference was an opportunity for him to share his vision for the organization and his outlook on U.S.–Korea relations.

When asked about ongoing tensions over tariffs and regulations, he noted that constructive nonprofit organizations help remind decision makers of the significance of the relationship over the long term.

“When there are differences of opinion and friction, what matters is communication,” he said, expressing his hope that The Korea Society can serve as a bridge connecting governments and businesses in both countries. Ambassador Stephens added her hope that such issues would be addressed in the spirit of the alliance, from a perspective of mutual benefit rather than zero-sum competition.

Abraham Kim, Ph.D., who took office in January 2026, as the first Korean American president in The Korea Society’s nearly 70-year history, reflected on his experience growing up in the United States. He recalled that many people in the United States did not know where Korea was, and he described Korea’s growing presence in food, music, drama, and beauty as an exciting change from when The Korea Society was first established in 1957.

With Korean investment in the United States continuing to thrive, he shared that he looks forward to expanding the Society’s presence across more regions, offering cultural, policy, and educational programs, and strengthening connections between Korean and American governments and businesses.

Read more from the press conference in The Chosun Ilbo.