The Korea Society

February 23, 2022 - Join us for this discussion of Korean Smart Power, exploring opportunities and obstacles for Korea to leverage its cultural influence to advance its national interests, featuring Bernie Cho, President of DFSB Kollective, Jenna Gibson, PhD candidate at the University of Chicago, John Delury, Yonsei University Professor, and Victoria Kim, former LA Times correspondent, in discussion with Korea Society policy director Jonathan Corrado. In a wide ranging conversation spanning regions and industries, the panelists discuss the role of Seoul’s music, film, television, and education sectors in expanding Korean influence and prestige throughout its neighborhood and the world at large, as well as the impact this has for Korea’s diplomatic and geopolitical aims. This program is made possible by the generous support from the Korea Foundation. For more information, please visit the link below: https://www.koreasociety.org/policy-and-corporate-programs/item/1552-korean-smart-power

February 17, 2022 - Riding the Korean Wave sweeping the world, the traditional Korean costumes have become increasingly visible in global media. In 2021, hanbok - the generic term referring to traditional style Korean clothing - was registered in the Oxford English Dictionary. In this comprehensive series of lectures, Dr. Minjee Kim, the preeminent scholar of Korean textile and fashion in the U.S., illustrates and elucidates hanbok in sartorial, socio-cultural, and historical contexts. In the first lecture of the series, Dr. Kim discusses some distinctive qualities of women's hanbok in comparison with other dress traditions; terminologies of the components and their structural parts; colors, materials, and embellishments; and symbols and ideas behind design principles and ways of dress. Minjee Kim is a historian and lecturer specializing in Korean dress and textiles, based in the San Francisco Bay Area since 2001. She received her PhD from Seoul National University, and formerly taught at Jeonju Kijeon Colleg

February 15, 2022 - The role of medical doctors is important now more than ever in this pandemic era. The impact of influential Youtubers is also increasing, as the public heavily relies on the platform to obtain and share information. Yet it is rare to use both the titles of Doctor and Youtube creator to describe one person’s career like Dr. Jang’s. The Korea Society is excited to welcome Dr. Ezra Hangjun Jang, Internal medicine specialist and renowned host of the Youtube channel, “Dr. Ezra Hangjun Jang”. Dr. Jang has amassed a significant YouTube following with more than 525,000 subscribers, allowing for a substantial audience to learn crucial information from each of his videos. Join us as we listen to Dr. Jang’s insights on educating audiences through his Youtube Channel on healthcare matters during the COVID-19 pandemic. Dr. Jang will also highlight his career developments in becoming a doctor as well as a star Youtuber in the U.S. The discussion will be led by moderator Dr. John Yoo, Pediatric Dentis

February 15, 2022 - Join us for the second edition in our Global View series, a discussion with Yale University Elihu Professor of History Odd Arne Westad on the subject of his book Empire and Righteous Nation: 600 Years of China-Korea Relations, hosted jointly with the National Committee on American Foreign Policy (NCAFP). The discussion is moderated by Korea Society Board Chair Ambassador (ret.) Kathleen Stephens, and introductions are provided by NCAFP president and CEO Ambassador (ret.) Susan Elliott and Korea Society president and CEO Tom Byrne. This program will be live webcast for a virtual audience. Please RSVP to receive the viewing link by clicking the button below. There will also be a limited in-person audience by invitation only. For more information, please visit the link below: https://www.koreasociety.org/policy-and-corporate-programs/item/1553-empire-and-righteous-nation-600-years-of-china-korea-relations

February 2, 2022 - In the midst of supply chain shortages and increasing competition, how can the US and Korea partner on critical technologies and address national security imperatives? Join for a discussion on the challenges and opportunities for enhanced US-Korea tech and digital cooperation, featuring Dr. Miyeon Oh, director and senior fellow of the Asia Security Initiative in the Atlantic Council's Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security, and Troy Stangarone, Senior Director and Fellow at the Korea Economic Institute (KEI), in conversation with Korea Society policy director Jonathan Corrado. For more information, please visit the link below: https://www.koreasociety.org/policy-and-corporate-programs/item/1544-towards-a-us-korea-tech-alliance

January 6, 2022 - Join for a discussion on the future of North Korea policy, featuring: Frank Aum, senior expert on Northeast Asia at the U.S. Institute of Peace, Dagyum Ji, journalist for The Korea Herald covering North Korea and security, and Bruce Klingner, Senior Research Fellow for Northeast Asia at The Heritage Foundation’s Asian Studies Center, in conversation with Korea Society policy director Jonathan Corrado, and with an introduction by Korea Society president & CEO Tom Byrne. Following a New Year's address by North Korean Chairman Kim Jong Un, the panelists discuss what's next for North Korea policy, including analysis of various diplomatic approaches, changes to the internal situation, and implications for the U.S.-ROK Alliance. For more information, please visit the link below: https://www.koreasociety.org/policy-and-corporate-programs/item/1547-a-new-north-korea-policy

December 14, 2021 - Join us for this program co-hosted by The Korea Society and The National Committee on American Foreign Policy (NCAFP) about the Korean Peninsula in the global perspective, featuring Walter Russell Mead, Global View Columnist at The Wall Street Journal and the James Clarke Chace Professor of Foreign Affairs and Humanities at Bard College. The discussion is moderated by Korea Society president & CEO Tom Byrne, with an introduction from NCAFP Board Chair Jeffrey R. Shafer. For more information, please visit the link below: https://www.koreasociety.org/policy-and-corporate-programs/item/1539-global-view-on-the-korean-peninsula

December 9, 2021 - When YouTube began sharing revenue directly with creators, an entirely new industry was born. Today, there are over 2 million creators around the world in its monetization program, building thriving businesses by sharing their own content to the worldwide audience. Among the most innovative and passionate YouTubers are those hailing from South Korea. Neal Mohan, Chief Product Officer at YouTube discusses the rise of K-content and the new creator economy; with Park Young Sun, former minister of SMEs and Startups of Republic of Korea; Bernie Cho, President of DFSB Kollective; and Dr. Sue Mi Terry, Director of the Hyundai Motor-Korea Foundation Center for Korean History and Public Policy Wilson Center; moderated by Korean YouTuber Seungkug Lee. This program is made possible by the generous support from YouTube. For more information, please visit the link below: https://www.koreasociety.org/arts-culture/item/1542-k-content-youth-economy-beyond

December 8, 2021 - Join us for a conversation between Mr. Hak Cheol Shin, Chief Executive Officer of LG Chem, and Tom Byrne, the President and CEO of The Korea Society. In this third episode of the ‘President’s Interview Series,’ Mr. Shin will discuss his remarkable career starting out from 3M Korea and serving as the Vice Chair at 3M headquarter in the U.S. to his current role as the CEO of LG Chem. Since Mr. Shin took office in 2019, LG Chem's market capitalization in the Korean stock market has more than doubled to 55 trillion won (US$46.6 billion) from 24 trillion won (US$20.3 billion). This interview will provide an opportunity to learn more about Mr. Shin’s role and leadership in LG Chem’s growth during the past two years as well as the company’s ESG based expanding business portfolio and the next growth engine moving forward. This program was recorded at LG Chem headquarters in Seoul when President Byrne recently visited South Korea. For more information, please visit the link below: https://www.koreas

December 7, 2021 - An epic story of love, war, and redemption set against the backdrop of the Korean independence movement, Beasts of a Little Land follows the intertwined fates of a young girl sold to a courtesan school and the penniless son of a hunter. From the perfumed chambers of a courtesan school in Pyongyang to the glamorous cafes of a modernizing Seoul and the boreal forests of Manchuria, where battles rage, Juhea Kim’s unforgettable characters forge their own destinies as they wager their nation’s. Immersive and elegant, Beasts of a Little Land unveils a world where friends become enemies, enemies become saviors, heroes are persecuted, and beasts take many shapes. Join in the conversation with author Juhea Kim about her debut novel. For more information, please visit the link below: https://www.koreasociety.org/arts-culture/item/1528-beasts-of-a-little-land-with-juhea-kim

December 2, 2021 - Food writer Eric Kim is known for sharing recipes accompanied with thoughtful storytelling and reflection. At first Kim pursued academia, teaching undergraduate literature courses while working towards a PhD in American Literature at Columbia. He unexpectedly found his path to success by writing and curating content for leading publishers in food media such as Food Network, Food52, and Saveur. Today, Kim is a staff writer at the New York Times and next year he will release his highly-anticipated debut cookbook Korean American: Food That Tastes Like Home. Join us as Kim reflects on his career in food journalism, multimedia content creation, and book publishing. The Korea Society Young Professionals’ Night program consists of industry professionals who share their career experiences and advice with the audience. It provides a wonderful opportunity for networking, and all professionals seeking to expand their careers are encouraged to come. This program is made possible by the support from Yan

December 2, 2021 - Pacific Forum President Emeritus and WSD-Handa Chair in Peace Studies Ralph Cossa provides a media and member-friendly wrap-up of the year by way of politics and security on and around the Korean Peninsula, in conversation with policy director Jonathan Corrado. A member of the ASEAN Regional Forum’s Experts and Eminent Persons Group, Cossa reflects on wider regional trends as well, to include Korea’s dealing with China-US tensions and US-Korea cooperation in condemning the Myanmar coup. For more information, please visit the link below: https://www.koreasociety.org/policy-and-corporate-programs/item/1518-thinking-northeast-asia-the-year-in-review

Korea Society Inaugural Van Fleet Policy Signature Event November 17, 2021 - Former Ambassador and Admiral Harry Harris, UNC/CFC/USFK Commander General Robert Abrams, Pacific Fleet Commander Admiral Scott Swift will sit down with Korea Society Board Director and former UNC/CFC/USFK Commander General Walter “Skip” Sharp for a discussion exploring Northeast Asia geopolitical and Korean Peninsula security and diplomatic opportunities and challenges from the perspectives of the longstanding ROK - U.S. Alliance. Featuring introductory remarks by Young Woon Kong, President of the Strategic Planning Division of Hyundai Motor Group. Limited in-person audience by invitation, and live webcast. The Korea Society is grateful to Premium Sponsor Hyundai Motor Company for its generous support of The Inaugural Van Fleet Policy Signature Event. For more information, please visit the link below: https://www.koreasociety.org/policy-and-corporate-programs/item/1516-u-s-diplomacy-and-security-in-korea-2021

November 15, 2021 - Candid analysis from Former Members of Congress on the upcoming US Midterms Elections. How will it impact the Congressional legislative agenda in terms of domestic and foreign policy? What will their foreign trade and security priorities be? How can the US work with allies and partners such as The Republic of Korea? This program is produced in partnership between the Association of Former Members of Congress (FMC) and The Korea Society. Featuring the Hon. Elizabeth Esty (D-CT, 2013-2019), the Hon. Mike Bishop (R-MI, 2015-2019), and the Hon. L.F. Payne (D-VA, 1988-1997).

November 12, 2021 - Join us as Seung-yoon Lee, CEO, and Co-Founder of Radish Fiction, shares “lessons learned” from his years of experience in media innovation. Before taking on his current position as the Global Strategy Officer at Kakao Entertainment, he founded Radish Fiction, serialized fiction app bringing curated premium, and original stories to readers everywhere, and Byline, the world's leading crowdfunded journalism platform. Seung-yoon was also recognized as one of the inaugural members of Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia. Next-generation entrepreneurs, fiction lovers, members, and friends of The Korea Society and Korea Finance Society are all invited to this discussion moderated by Mark Kim from the Korea Finance Society. Following the COVID-19 health and safety guidelines, we will have limited in-person capacity. The registration for in-person attendance will be first-come, first-served basis. The session will be live-streamed for those who cannot attend in person or prefer to participate virtually. The Ko

November 4, 2021 - Council on Foreign Relations Director of the Program on US-Korea Policy and Senior Fellow Scott A. Snyder, Atlantic Council Senior Fellow and former U.S. National Intelligence Officer for North Korea Markus Garlauskas, and Stimson Center nonresident fellow Rachel Minyoung Lee join Senior Director Stephen Noerper and Policy Director Jonathan Corrado for a discussion of the latest developments on and around the Korean Peninsula and thoughts on how media, members, and analysts current and aspiring might best hone skills and insights on Korea. As premier analysts with unique insights, Snyder, Garlauskas, and Lee speak to tropes, prejudice and generalizations that stymy sound analysis and suggest ways to approach Peninsular affairs anew. For more information, please visit the link below: https://www.koreasociety.org/policy-and-corporate-programs/item/1517-what-makes-a-great-korea-analyst

November 3, 2021 - Celebrating the 10th year of our Young Professionals’ Network (YPN) series, The Korea Society is excited to announce the YPN 10th Anniversary Special with singer-songwriter Eric Nam, one of the most popular and recognizable celebrities in Asia. As a Korean American singer, songwriter, entertainer, and TV personality from Atlanta, Georgia, Eric has been inspiring his fans and the younger generation through his musical performances and insightful commentary on important contemporary issues. He has been named GQ Korea's Man of the Year and appeared on Forbes' 30 Under 30 Asia. Join our YPN Special to hear Eric’s thoughts on balancing the cultural boundary between Korea and the U.S. as an entertainer with a fanbase in both countries. This interview will also provide a rare opportunity to hear Eric's personal story and vision of his life and career. This program is made possible by the support from Yang Won Sun Foundation. For more information, please visit the link below: https://www.koreasocie

November 1, 2021 - Join us for this conversation about Asian American involvement in U.S. politics featuring Congressman Andy Kim. How has the role of Asian Americans in U.S. politics evolved over time and responded to pressing issues? This conversation is moderated by Tony Kim, board director for The Korea Society and Partner at Centerview Partners. Korea Society president and CEO Tom Byrne joins the conversation to convey questions from the audience. For more information, please visit the link below: https://www.koreasociety.org/policy-and-corporate-programs/item/1533-asian-american-involvement-in-u-s-politics-featuring-congressman-andy-kim

October 7, 2021 - Stanford University Director of the Shorenstein Asia-Pacific Research Center, founding director of its Korean Studies program, and William J. Perry Professor of Contemporary Korea Gi-Wook Shin shares insights on rising anti-China sentiments in South Korea and their implications for the upcoming South Korean presidential election, as well as the US-ROK alliance. Professor Shin, in conversation with Senior Director Stephen Noerper, also explores these sentiments relative to Korean feelings toward Japan and the United States. This event is co-sponsored by Columbia University’s APEC Study Center. For more information, please visit the link below: https://www.koreasociety.org/policy-and-corporate-programs/item/1515-the-rise-of-anti-china-sentiments-in-korea

September 23, 2021 - In the first program of a new series chronicling the rise of global cooperation between the United States and Korea, Korea Society president and CEO Tom Byrne discusses supply chain resilience and semiconductors in conversation with Tami Overby, McLarty Associates Senior Director and former president of the US Korea Business Council, and John Neuffer, President and CEO of the Semiconductor Industry Association. The program opens with remarks on the importance of US-Korea cooperation on semiconductors by Won-kyong Kim, the Executive Vice President of Samsung Electronics Inc. For more information, please visit the link below: https://www.koreasociety.org/policy-and-corporate-programs/item/1522-the-us-korea-global-partnership-supply-chain-and-semiconductors