NEW YORK, NY — Oct 22, 2025 — The Korea Society (TKS) is pleased to announce that Abraham Kim, Ph.D., will become its new President and Chief Executive Officer, effective January 19, 2026. Dr. Kim succeeds Thomas J. Byrne, who will step down after a decade of distinguished leadership.
Since joining The Korea Society in August 2015, Tom Byrne has transformed the organization, expanding its reach and impact as a leading outreach institution on U.S.-Korea relations. Under his guidance, TKS has strengthened its programs in policy, business, education, and the arts, and has played a vital role in fostering greater understanding and cooperation between the people of the United States and Korea. Mr. Byrne’s tenure has been marked by his commitment to strategic vision, cross-cultural engagement, and thought leadership, including his service as Honorary Ambassador of Foreign Investment Promotion for Korea, appointed by the Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy.
Abraham Kim joins The Korea Society from the Council of Korean Americans (CKA), where he served as Executive Director and President. Dr. Kim brings over 20 years of experience in foreign policy analysis, leadership development, and innovation consulting. At CKA, he was instrumental in strengthening the national Korean American community and developing impactful global leaders through education and collaboration. His previous roles include Executive Director at the Maureen and Mike Mansfield Center, Vice President and Interim President of the Korea Economic Institute of America, and other leadership roles at Eurasia Group, SAIC, and CSIS. Dr. Kim holds a Ph.D. in Political Science from Columbia University.
Ambassador Kathleen Stephens, Chair of The Korea Society Board of Directors, commented:
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Tom Byrne’s decade of service has set a high standard for leadership and impact. His strategic vision and dedication have transformed The Korea Society, expanding its reach and deepening its role as a bridge between the United States and Korea. We are grateful for his unwavering commitment and the legacy he leaves behind. We are excited to welcome Abraham Kim, whose vision and experience will guide The Korea Society into its next chapter of growth and engagement. |
The Korea Society expresses its deepest gratitude to Tom Byrne for his transformative leadership and welcomes Abraham Kim as he begins his tenure in January 2026.
For more information, please contact Communication Officer Micala Shaffer at
Founded in 1957, The Korea Society is a nonpartisan, nonprofit, 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to promoting greater awareness, understanding, and cooperation between the U.S. and Korea. The Society features public programs, classes, exhibits, and other activities in its Arts & Culture, Business & Economics, Education, and Policy program areas in pursuit of its mission. To learn more, please visit koreasociety.org.