Annual Gala 2026 Recap - The Korea Society

On September 28th at Cipriani South Street, The Korea Society 2026 Annual Gala brought together over 530 guests from business, government, technology, academia, and civil society in support of the deep and meaningful partnership between the United States and Korea. The active participation of countless leaders and pioneers in our community was the driving force behind this unforgettable occasion, which we are proud to share generated a record-breaking revenue of over $3 million.

Date: Monday, September 28, 2026
Venue: Cipriani South Street, New York

The 2026 Van Fleet Award

We were delighted to present the 2026 Van Fleet Award to Jensen Huang, founder and CEO of NVIDIA, in recognition of his pioneering leadership in accelerated computing and artificial intelligence—technologies that form a cornerstone of the expanding economic and technological partnership between the United States and Korea.

Watch Jensen Huang’s full Van Fleet Award acceptance speech.

In Conversation with Jensen Huang

The Van Fleet Award presentation was followed by a Fireside Chat with Jensen Huang, moderated by Juju Chang, co-anchor of ABC News’ Nightline. The conversation explored Mr. Huang’s career, NVIDIA’s decades-long collaboration with Korean partners, and the future of the AI industry.

Watch the full Fireside Chat with Jensen Huang.

Remarks by the Chairmen of Samsung Electronics and SK

We also extend a sincere thank-you to Executive Chairman Jay Y. Lee of Samsung Electronics who provided congratulatory remarks and to Chairman & CEO Tae-won Chey of SK Inc. who presented a special toast to the evening’s Van Fleet Award honoree.

Samsung Electronics Executive Chairman Jay Y. Lee’s congratulatory remarks.

SK Inc. Chairman & CEO Tae-won Chey’s special toast.

Special Remarks

We were grateful to have special remarks delivered by Ambassador Jihoon Cha, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Korea to the United Nations, and the Hon. Young Kim, U.S. Representative for California’s 40th Congressional District.

Ambassador Jihoon Cha’s remarks.

Hon. Young Kim’s remarks.

The Van Fleet Legacy

A highlight of the ceremony was Frank Blake, great-grandson of General James Van Fleet, introducing the Van Fleet Award ahead of this year’s presentation. Brendan Dillon, Partner and Head of Capital Formation, Capital Markets, and Credit at Veritas Capital provided a special toast to round out the evening.

On the Program

Our Master of Ceremonies, Eva Pilgrim, anchor of Inside Edition, expertly guided our audience through the evening’s program. Guests enjoyed two outstanding performances from award-winning Broadway, film, and television actors & vocalists Stephanie Jae Park and Marcus Choi. Both performances brought high energy to the program and embodied the great unity and jubilation of the celebration.

Auction & Paddle Raise

2026 Van Fleet Award Honoree, Mr. Jensen Huang, generously signed a leather jacket to be auctioned off in support of The Korea Society.

Following an introduction by Hy Hetherington, CEO of HLP Integration and Development Committee Chair on The Korea Society Board, benefits auctioneer Tom Stebbins led our audience through the lively paddle raise portion of the evening.

We deeply appreciate our 63 paddle raise participants who helped contribute towards a record-breaking Gala revenue of over $3 million.

Maehwa Reception

Preceding the Gala program, guests in our Maehwa Reception were treated to welcoming remarks from 2026 Van Fleet Award honoree Jensen Huang, and a special toast from David Chung, Founder & CEO of The Rootist and Founder & Chairman of the Judith Ehm Foundation.

Tribute to Ambassador Kathleen Stephens

It was announced at the Gala that Ambassador Kathleen Stephens will conclude her seven-year tenure as Chair of the Board of The Korea Society and that her successor will be Ambassador Philip Goldberg, former U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Korea. On behalf of the Board of Directors, Ambassador Goldberg presented Ambassador Stephens with a plaque honoring her leadership of the Society and her decades of service to the U.S.–Korea relationship.

Moments with Our Guests

Times Square Billboard

Samsung Electronics congratulated Mr. Huang on receiving the 2026 Van Fleet Award with a large video billboard in Times Square, running from the day before the event through the night of the Gala.

Special Appreciation for Our Sponsors

We extend our deepest gratitude to our generous supporters including the paddle raise participants who made this meaningful event possible. Our sponsors’ support is essential in realizing The Korea Society’s vision for a stronger and more dynamic partnership between the United States and Korea.