2009 Van Fleet Award Honorees

2009 vanfleet logo

2009 vanfleet Henry-A-Kissinger

2009 Van Fleet Award Honoree

THE HONORABLE HENRY A. KISSINGER
56TH SECRETARY OF STATE
THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

Dr. Henry A. Kissinger has dedicated a lifetime to the cause of diplomacy and to the advancement of America’s interests throughout the world. Through his service to his country, including as 56th Secretary of State, through his work as an educator and scholar, as an advisor to presidents, as a prize-winning author, and as a private citizen and commentator, Dr. Kissinger has left his mark on U.S. foreign policy and America’s place in the world.

As National Security Advisor and Secretary of State, Dr. Kissinger grappled with some of the greatest challenges in the history of American foreign policy. In doing so he helped achieve détente with the Soviet Union, negotiated the end of a bloody conflict in Southeast Asia, and ended the Yom Kippur War between Israel and its neighbors.

His role as the architect of the opening to China is regarded by many as his most remarkable achievement and one that altered the course of history. The cooperative relationship the United States and China enjoy today and the prospect that U.S.-PRC ties will become even stronger and more comprehensive in the years to come is in no small measure the result of his vision and the strong foundation hroe helped lay. Today, the United States faces a diplomatic and security challenge on the Korean Peninsula that is both complex and dangerous. Dr. Kissinger has been an active and important contributor to efforts to encourage North Korea to take the path of cooperation and dialogue as a way of resolving differences with the United States and its neighbors.

For his lifetime of commitment to diplomacy, for his record of achievement on behalf of America and its interests, for his role in reshaping U.S.-China relations, and for his commitment to resolving the challenges to peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula, The Korea Society is honored to present Dr. Henry A. Kissinger with the 2009 Van Fleet Award.

2009 vanfleet Chung-Mong-Koo

2009 Van Fleet Award Honoree

CHUNG MONG-KOO
CHAIRMAN
HYUNDAI-KIA AUTOMOTIVE GROUP

Chairman Chung Mong-Koo exemplifies the visionary leadership, innovative spirit, and global perspective that are the hallmarks of the world’s finest corporate leaders.

As chairman and chief executive officer of the Hyundai-Kia Automotive Group, Chairman Chung oversees one of the world’s most successful automobile manufacturers. He has made his company the world’s fifth largest automaker by applying the hands-on management style and attention to quality that form the core of his leadership philosophy.

The United States has been a major beneficiary of his firm’s global expansion. Today, some 20,000 Americans are employed in Hyundai-Kia’s production, sales, and development relatedoperations throughout the United States and this number is expected to grow. Hyundai-Kia’s commitment to the U.S. market and to its American workers underscores the deepening links between the American and Korean economies.

In recognition of the leadership that has made Hyundai-Kia one of the world’s most successful firms; for the important contribution his company is making to the strengthening of U.S.-ROK economic ties; and in appreciation of the major role he has played in supporting The Korea Society’s growth and development, we are honored to present Chairman Chung Mong-Koo with the 2009 Van Fleet Award.

THE KOREA SOCIETY