The Korea Society
The Korea Society, an American organization promoting greater awareness, understanding and cooperation between the people of the United States and Korea, presents the leading voices in public policy, business, education, intercultural relations, and the arts.
info_outline
Quick Take - North Korea’s New Posture with Dr. Soo Kim
04/25/2024
Quick Take - North Korea’s New Posture with Dr. Soo Kim
April 25, 2024 - In 2024, North Korea’s leadership has made a number of striking changes to its foreign policy, including abandoning its goal of unification and declaring South Korea its “principal enemy.” Pyongyang has also doubled down on its relationship with Moscow, shipping artillery and missiles off to Russia for use on the battlefields of Ukraine. Speculation has also risen that Kim Jong Un may have made the strategic decision to go to war, or to engage in provocations against the US-ROK Alliance. What is motivating these policies and what does the future hold? Join us for an analytic perspective from Dr. Soo Kim, Principal Technical Advisor at LMI Consulting and formerly the Central Intelligence Agency and RAND Corporation, in conversation with policy director Jonathan Corrado. For more information, please visit the link below:
/episode/index/show/koreasociety/id/30989713
info_outline
Quick Take - South Korea’s New Foreign Policy and Public Opinion with Dr. Kuyoun Chung
04/19/2024
Quick Take - South Korea’s New Foreign Policy and Public Opinion with Dr. Kuyoun Chung
April 19, 2024 - This program examines shifts in South Korea’s foreign policy posture, featuring insights and analysis from Dr. Kuyoun Chung, Assistant professor of the Department of Political Science at the Kangwon National University. The Yoon Suk Yeol administration aims to transform Korea into a “Global Pivotal State.” How has Seoul pursued this objective despite complex geopolitical and economic challenges? How does Korea navigate diplomatic relations in a tense region that is increasingly impacted by strategic competition between autocracies and democracies? Using survey data, Dr. Chung reveals how the South Korean public understands their country’s place in the world, including its allies, threats, and opportunities, in conversation with policy program officer Chelsie Alexandre. For more information, please visit the link below:
/episode/index/show/koreasociety/id/30903878
info_outline
Korea: A New History of South and North with Victor Cha and Ramon Pacheco Pardo
04/18/2024
Korea: A New History of South and North with Victor Cha and Ramon Pacheco Pardo
April 18, 2024 - Join us for a book talk with authors Professor Victor Cha and Professor Ramon Pacheco Pardo, who discuss their new book, Korea: A New History of South and North with policy director Jonathan Corrado. The Korea Society is proud to be a stop on the famous pink book tour! This important new work of history draws on “decades of research to explore the history of modern Korea, from the late nineteenth century, Japanese occupation, and Cold War division to the present day. This comprehensive history sheds light on the evolving identities of the two Koreas, explaining the sharp differences between North and South, and prospects for unification." You can . For more information, please visit the link below:
/episode/index/show/koreasociety/id/30893358
info_outline
Rapid Reaction: Unpacking the Korean Election
04/11/2024
Rapid Reaction: Unpacking the Korean Election
April 11, 2024 - Join us for a rapid reaction analysis of the Republic of Korea’s high stakes 2024 legislative election, held in South Korea one day prior on April 10. This election could shift the control of power in the National Assembly, resulting in an emboldened electoral mandate for President Yoon Suk Yeol, or else creating a new challenge for his administration’s agenda. In this conversation with Korea Society policy program officer Chelsie Alexandre, Stanford University’s Professor Dr. Gi-Wook Shin explores the implications of the election for: Korea’s political, economic, and social policy; its relations with its Alliance partner the United States, and regional states, such as North Korea, China, and Japan. For more information, please visit the link below:
/episode/index/show/koreasociety/id/30786373
info_outline
Recapturing Lost Ground on North Korean Human Rights, with Ambassador Julie Turner
04/09/2024
Recapturing Lost Ground on North Korean Human Rights, with Ambassador Julie Turner
April 9, 2024 - Join us for a conversation about recovering lost ground in the international effort to address North Korea’s human rights violations, featuring: Ambassador Julie Turner, U.S. Special Envoy for North Korean Human Rights Issues, James Heenan, UN Human Rights Office representative in Seoul, Dr. Katrin Katz, Korea Society Van Fleet Senior Fellow, and Sean Chung, CEO of HanVoice, in conversation with policy director Jonathan Corrado. The United Nations Human Rights Council published its landmark report of the commission of inquiry on human rights in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea ten years ago. That report documented “systematic, widespread and grave violations of human rights” in North Korea. But the international effort to ensure accountability, involving U.S. coordination with allies such as the Republic of Korea and through the United Nations, is only just beginning. The U.S. State Department describes credible reports of unlawful or arbitrary killings by the government, harsh and life-threatening prison conditions, arbitrary arrests and detentions, total state control of expression and media through censorship, severe restrictions on political participation, gender-based violence, and the worst forms of child labor. A Korean American adoptee with twenty years of diplomatic experience, Ambassador Julie Turner said, “The human rights situation in the DPRK is one of the most protracted human rights crises in the world,” in her testimony to the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations. This discussion explores issues impacting refugees, information distribution, separated family reunions, pathways to practical progress, North Korean human rights success stories, the connection between the regime’s human rights abuses and its weapons programs, and the nexus of humanitarian assistance and human rights. For more information, please visit the link below:
/episode/index/show/koreasociety/id/30753083
info_outline
The Philosophy of Korean Tea
04/04/2024
The Philosophy of Korean Tea
April 3, 2024 - Darye–"etiquette for tea" or "tea rite"– has been an integral part of Korean history and culture for over a thousand years. Donghyun Kim, a Korean heritage curator, discusses the history of tea practices and aesthetics in Korea and the landscape of contemporary Korean tea culture. YouTube version with images can be found here: For more information, please visit the link below:
/episode/index/show/koreasociety/id/30682913
info_outline
Paper Soldiers: How the Weaponization of the Dollar Changed the World Order
04/02/2024
Paper Soldiers: How the Weaponization of the Dollar Changed the World Order
April 2, 2024 - Join us for a discussion with the Senior Washington Correspondent for Bloomberg News Saleha Mohsin on her newly released book Paper Soldiers: How the Weaponization of the Dollar Changed the World Order, in cooperation with the National Committee on American Foreign Policy (NCAFP). As the global order continues to evolve, it seems that the dollar’s dominance may find itself waning for the first time in 70 years. In a world dividing into two camps, one led by China and the other by the U.S, Mohsin investigates America's strong dollar policy and how it has shaped the world order, the effects of America's heavy-handed sanctions on its adversaries, and how American allies like South Korea view the dollar in today's global financial system. The conversation will be moderated by former CBS White House Correspondent and NCAFP Board Member, Jacqueline Adams. For more information, please visit the link below:
/episode/index/show/koreasociety/id/30649488
info_outline
Starry Field with Margaret Juhae Lee and Grace M. Cho
03/27/2024
Starry Field with Margaret Juhae Lee and Grace M. Cho
March 27, 2024 - In her intimate and touching debut, Starry Field: A Memoir of Lost History, journalist Margaret Juhae Lee uncovers her family’s lost history that had been buried in the darkness of Korea’s colonial decades. Growing up in Houston, Margaret Juhae Lee was never told about her grandfather, Lee Chul Ha. His memory was submerged in 1936 Korea, when Lee Chul Ha died a disgraced communist rebel, leaving Margaret's grandmother widowed with their two young sons. To his surviving family Lee Chul Ha was a criminal. As an act of unearthing her own identity, Margaret needed to understand why. Margaret began investigating the truth of her grandfather’s story. After many trips to Korea, she located her grandfather’s interrogation records, and began a series of long-form interviews with her grandmother. Through her research, Margaret discovered an extraordinary young man, Lee Chul Ha – a student revolutionary imprisoned in 1929 for protesting the Japanese government’s colonization of Korea. Lee Chul Ha was a hero and eventually honored as a Patriot of South Korea almost 60 years after his death. With this new knowledge came Margaret’s realization that her grandmother had old wounds she needed to heal. Starry Field weaves together Margaret’s family story against the backdrop of Korea’s tumultuous modern history, with a powerful question at its heart. Can we ever separate ourselves from our family’s past—and if the answer is yes, should we? In her conversation with Grace M. Cho, Margaret Juhae Lee discusses her memoir. For more information, please visit the link below:
/episode/index/show/koreasociety/id/30573098
info_outline
Colloquy: Translating Korean Poetry
03/26/2024
Colloquy: Translating Korean Poetry
March 25, 2024 - The Korea Society is delighted to present Colloquy: Translating Korean Poetry, featuring five poets and translators –Stine An, Eunice Lee, Seo Jung Hak, Megan Sungyoon, and Soje– for an evening of poetry reading and conversation. is an event series presented by World Poetry Books in collaboration with Montez Press Radio and a partnering New York City institution. Since 2022, Colloquy event series provides a forum for translators to engage with live audiences in an exploration of the art of translation. Each Colloquy event presents a group of two to four translators of recently published works (or works-in-progress) for short readings and moderated conversations, followed by Q&A’s with the audience. For more information, please visit the link below:
/episode/index/show/koreasociety/id/30552713
info_outline
The Dynamic U.S.-ROK Trade and Investment Relationship: Current Issues and Prospects
03/20/2024
The Dynamic U.S.-ROK Trade and Investment Relationship: Current Issues and Prospects
March 20, 2024 - Explore insights into the dynamics of the U.S.-ROK economic relations and the critical issues impacting trade and investment between the two nations in our inaugural program, “The Dynamic U.S.-ROK Trade and Investment Relationship: Current Issues and Prospects” kicking off the new series, . Join a distinguished panel of experts consisting of the Hon. Diane Farrell, Deputy Under Secretary for International Trade at the United States Department of Commerce, Mr. Frank Ahrens, Principal of BGR Group, and Dr. Hyun-jung Je, President & Chief Representative of the Korea International Trade Association (KITA) Washington DC Office, in conversation with The Korea Society’s President & CEO Tom Byrne. Each speaker brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the discussion, offering insightful perspectives on foreign investment in the U.S., investment-friendly U.S. states, and how U.S.-Korea economic relations might be shaped by the upcoming US Presidential election. This program will be recorded at , Washington, D.C. For more information, please visit the link below:
/episode/index/show/koreasociety/id/30464393
info_outline
The Republic of Korea and the UN Security Council with ROK Permanent Representative to the United Nations Ambassador Joonkook HWANG
03/18/2024
The Republic of Korea and the UN Security Council with ROK Permanent Representative to the United Nations Ambassador Joonkook HWANG
March 15, 2024 - Please join us for a timely discussion on the Republic of Korea’s membership in the United Nations Security Council for the 2024-2025 term, featuring the ROK Permanent Representative to the United Nations Ambassador Joonkook HWANG, in conversation with Korea Society President and CEO Thomas Byrne. The Republic of Korea, which has a special history and bond with the United Nations, aims to actively contribute to world peace and security and fulfill the expectations of the international community during its tenure as a non-permanent member of the Security Council. This event will offer a valuable opportunity for the audience to gain insights into Ambassador Hwang’s perspective on the ROK’s vision for its Security Council activities, highlighting its interests and priorities among more than 60 regional and thematic agenda items on the Council. Moreover, Ambassador Hwang is anticipated to address the current status and future prospects of the Korean Peninsula, including recent changes and implications of North Korea’s nuclear and inter-Korean policies. This event will also serve as a platform for shedding light on new Security Council dynamics in recent years amidst ongoing global geopolitical changes, in particular the enhanced roles of non-permanent Council members, referred to as the Elected 10. This event is co-hosted by the National Committee on American Foreign Policy (NCAFP) and features introductory remarks by Chairman of the Board of Trustees Jeffrey R. Shafer. For more information, please visit the link below:
/episode/index/show/koreasociety/id/30425338
info_outline
Jang: The Soul of Korean Cooking
03/14/2024
Jang: The Soul of Korean Cooking
March 13, 2024 - Like the foundational role of butter in French cooking or olive oil in Italian cuisine, jangs stand as the cornerstone of Korean cooking, infusing every dish with a symphony of flavors and complexity. Chef Mingoo Kang, often referred to as South Korea’s best chef, invites readers on a gastronomic journey in Jang: The Soul of Korean Cooking to discover the deceptively simple, yet utterly unique and complex Korean sauces that have been near secret ingredients until now. Chef Kang is celebrated for his dedication to the exploration of jangs at his two-Michelin star restaurant, Mingles, in South Korea. In his new book, he demystifies the art of cooking with these soulful sauces through 60 home-cook-friendly recipes that showcase the versatility and depth of the umami-rich flavors in both Korean and Western preparations. In addition to providing delicious preparations and flavor notes customized for home kitchens, Jang delves into the history and methods behind the three jangs—ganjang, doenjang, and gochujang. Jang is not merely a cookbook but a timeless addition to every culinary enthusiast's collection, bridging cultures through the universal language of exquisite flavor. Chef Kang and his two co-authors, Joshua David Stein and Nadia Cho, discuss jang, Korean food, and their new cookbook with moderator Juliana Sohn. For more information, please visit the link below:
/episode/index/show/koreasociety/id/30377843
info_outline
YPN | Legal Career Insights: A Panel Discussion
03/11/2024
YPN | Legal Career Insights: A Panel Discussion
March 11, 2024 - In this program of our Young Professionals’ Network series, The Korea Society, in partnership with the Asian American Bar Association of New York (AABANY), hosted a panel discussion focused on the pursuit of a career in law. Our panel comprises four experienced legal professionals: Karen Kim, Senior Counsel at QBE North America and President of AABANY; Judge Judy Kim, Acting Justice of the Supreme Court in the New York State Supreme Court; and Brian Song, Litigation Partner at BakerHostetler. The conversation will be moderated by Dami Park, Director of Business & Legal Affairs at Concord Music Group. Join us to gain valuable insights into the diverse paths of success in the legal profession from our accomplished panel. Through engaging narratives and an opportunity for networking, uncover inspiration and practical guidance to navigate your path to success in law. This discussion will be held in-person at The Korea Society on March 7th at 6:30 PM. Light refreshments will be available for those in attendance. For more information, please visit the link below:
/episode/index/show/koreasociety/id/30321583
info_outline
Korean Unification: A Fading Prospect?
03/06/2024
Korean Unification: A Fading Prospect?
March 6, 2024 - Join us for this conversation about prospects for Korean Unification with Jeongmin Kim, Lead Correspondent at NK News / Editorial Director at Korea Pro, Dr. Lee Sang-shin, director of the Center for the Study of Liberal Democracy at Korea Institute of National Unification (KINU), and Dr. Nicholas Eberstadt, the Henry Wendt Chair in Political Economy at the American Enterprise Institute (AEI), in conversation with Korea Society policy director Jonathan Corrado. This panel will explore recent policy shifts towards unification in South Korea under the Yoon Suk Yeol administration and in North Korea announced by Chairman Kim Jong Un at the ninth plenary meeting of the eighth central committee of the ruling Workers' Party. What are the consequences of Kim’s announcement that North Korea’s long standing policy goal of unification (one nation, two systems) will be dropped? The expert panel will also discuss changing public opinion in South Korea, including demographic and ideological splits in policy preferences for the future of the Korean Peninsula. Plus, in addition to discussing the well-understood challenges and obstacles to practically embarking on a process of unification, the panel will cover some of the potential benefits of Unification, including demographic, sociocultural, geopolitical, and economic factors. The promotional partner for this program is Columbia University’s APEC Study Center. For more information, please visit the link below:
/episode/index/show/koreasociety/id/30262968
info_outline
Snowglobe with Soyoung Park and Joungmin Lee Comfort
03/04/2024
Snowglobe with Soyoung Park and Joungmin Lee Comfort
March 4, 2024 - by Soyoung Park, the first book in a powerful young adult dystopian duology, is a groundbreaking exploration of personal identity, and the future of the world as we know it. The winner of the Changbi X Kakaopage Young Adult Novel Award, the novel has been translated into English by Joungmin Lee Comfort, introducing a new readership to this cutting-edge commentary on climate change, socioeconomic inequality, and personal identity. Set in a frozen world, only the residents of Snowglobe have it all: fame, fortune, and, above all, safety from the bitter cold. Outside the domed city, citizens must face the –50-degree Fahrenheit temperatures to produce the energy that Snowglobe needs to run. Their only solace comes in the form of television programming developed from the 24/7 filming of those who live in Snowglobe. When Snowglobe’s biggest star and newly-minted weather announcer, Haeri, is found dead, look-alike Chobahm must take her place, getting the opportunity of a lifetime to join the residents inside. But she soon discovers that the society she’s idolized is hiding a frozen and dangerous heart. Snowglobe is a powerful and layered thrill ride containing a myriad of plot twists and a shocking ending that will keep readers eagerly awaiting its sequel. Join us for a conversation with the author and translator, moderated by Kat Cho, as they discuss the English publication of Snowglobe. For more information, please visit the link below:
/episode/index/show/koreasociety/id/30221623
info_outline
Charting Entrepreneurial Paths: Curtis Lee, From Luxe to Pinwheel and Beyond
02/29/2024
Charting Entrepreneurial Paths: Curtis Lee, From Luxe to Pinwheel and Beyond
February 28, 2024 - Navigating the uncertainties of quitting an established career to venture into entrepreneurship is a common challenge for many aspiring startup founders. The question of when to take that leap adds another layer of complexity to the journey. To shed light on these dilemmas, we invite you to join our conversation with Curtis Lee, a seasoned startup founder, currently serving as the VP of Global Payments and Cash at Microsoft. Curtis embarked on his entrepreneurial path by founding Luxe, a premium valet and auto-concierge system, in 2013. After Luxe’s successful acquisition to Volvo Group, Curtis returned to the entrepreneurial arena with the launch of Pinwheel, a fintech specializing in payroll API, in 2021. During this discussion, Curtis will share the intricacies of how he charted his entrepreneurial path, strategically navigating tech giants, startups, and investment firms, to fulfill his aspirations. Additionally, Curtis will impart how his firsthand founding experience has transformed him into a more emphatic investor, particularly for early-stage startups in their foundational phases. Moderated by CeFaan Kim, correspondent for ABC News. This program is supported by For more information, please visit the link below:
/episode/index/show/koreasociety/id/30171753
info_outline
Deterring North Korea: A Conversation with Ambassador Bonnie Jenkins - United States Under Secretary of State for Arms Control and International Security
02/22/2024
Deterring North Korea: A Conversation with Ambassador Bonnie Jenkins - United States Under Secretary of State for Arms Control and International Security
February 22, 2024 - Join us for a discussion on deterrence and North Korea with Ambassador Bonnie Jenkins, United States Under Secretary of State for Arms Control and International Security. Together in conversation with US Air Force Reserve Major Jessica Taylor and Korea Society Policy Director Jonathan Corrado, Ambassador Jenkins will discuss the US-ROK Alliance and the growing threats posed by Pyongyang's evolving nuclear, missile, and space capabilities as well as its proliferation and procurement activities, including its growing ties and trade with Russia. For more information, please visit the link below:
/episode/index/show/koreasociety/id/30069813
info_outline
Rumbles of Thunder and Endangered Peace on the Korean Peninsula
01/31/2024
Rumbles of Thunder and Endangered Peace on the Korean Peninsula
January 31, 2024 - Recent events have heightened military tensions on the Korean Peninsula—North Korea’s successful launch of a military satellite resulting in Seoul’s decision to partially suspend the inter-Korean Comprehensive Military Agreement (CMA), and followed by Pyongyang’s deployment of additional forces near its border with South Korea—increasing the chances of conflict on the Korean Peninsula. North Korea's advancements in its nuclear weapons and missile programs, coupled with the diminishing enforcement of sanctions and renewed support from Russia, have sparked debates among the South Korean public and security experts about the possibility of Seoul pursuing an indigenous nuclear deterrent. Join us for a program co-hosted by The Korea Society and the National Committee on American Foreign Policy (NCAFP) on the future of Korean Peninsula security and suggestions for de-escalation and preventive diplomacy, featuring Professor Moon Chung-In, James Laney Professor at Yonsei University and Vice Chair for the Asia-Pacific Leadership Network for Nuclear Nonproliferation and Disarmament. Following Professor Moon’s initial remarks, he will be joined by NCAFP director for Asia Susan A. Thornton and Director of the new Indo-Pacific Security Initiative of the Atlantic Council’s Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security Markus Garlauskas for a conversation moderated by Korea Society president & CEO Tom Byrne. For more information, please visit the link below:
/episode/index/show/koreasociety/id/29739238
info_outline
Author Talks: Bora Chung & Anton Hur
01/30/2024
Author Talks: Bora Chung & Anton Hur
January 30, 2024 - The author and translator of Cursed Bunny, a National Book Award and International Booker Prize Finalist, are back with a new collection of short stories. A rising star of Korean literature, Bora Chung burst onto the American literary scene last year with the publication of her astounding debut, , translated by Anton Hur. Met with universal praise, these surreal, chilling fables that take on patriarchy, capitalism, and the reign of big tech were a National Book Award Finalist for Translated Literature and shortlisted for the International Booker Prize. Chung and Hur returns with her striking sophomore collection, . Filled with Chung’s inimitable blend of horror, absurdity, and dark humor, and set in near and distant futures that reflect our deepest fears and desires, the stories in Your Utopia take place in different, off-kilter yet sometimes uncannily familiar settings. With Your Utopia, Chung hopes to provide readers with “a collection of stories that explore the limits of humanity to re-discover what it means to be human. Like all other works of science and speculative fiction, Your Utopia is ultimately about human beings: who we are and what we will be as the Anthropocene era reaches its peak and eventual demise.” In this episode of Author Talks, Bora Chung is joined by Anton Hur to discuss her latest English publication. For more information, please visit the link below:
/episode/index/show/koreasociety/id/29719748
info_outline
Saeju Jeong: An Unwavering Visionary Behind Noom
01/26/2024
Saeju Jeong: An Unwavering Visionary Behind Noom
January 24, 2024 - Join us for our inaugural program of Startup Scene: Entrepreneurs of Tomorrow, featuring Saeju Jeong, the Co-Founder and former CEO, and now serving as Executive Chair of Noom. Noom, established in 2008 with Saeju’s friend, Artem Pekatov, introduced a pioneering weight loss app in 2017, integrating behavioral psychology with an empathetic human approach. Since then, Noom has disrupted the weight loss industry, achieving a valuation of $3.7 billion, and benefited over 50 million people with their health and diet. Saeju’s unwavering, mission-driven leadership has been behind the remarkable success of Noom. As the visionary behind Noom, Saeju guided the company through the many strategic pivots that ultimately led to the discovery of Noom’s unique business model. We invite you to explore Saeju’s compelling entrepreneurial journey, marked with soulful tenacity toward a healthier-choice platform for consumers. This conversation took place on January 24 at 6:00 pm at the premise of The Korea Society. This program is supported by . For more information, please visit the link below:
/episode/index/show/koreasociety/id/29666578
info_outline
Y. T. Hwang Family Foundation Series on Ethics & Common Values Inaugural Lecture by Dr. Jim Yong Kim
01/11/2024
Y. T. Hwang Family Foundation Series on Ethics & Common Values Inaugural Lecture by Dr. Jim Yong Kim
January 10, 2024 - With the ever-growing need to understand ourselves and humanity as a whole, it is necessary to examine the concepts of morality, ethics and universal values as guiding principles of the human condition. With generous support from Y.T. Hwang Family Foundation, The Korea Society is launching a new lecture and conversation series titled Series on Ethics and Common Values. This series promotes the understanding of central themes of our human existence - morality, ethics, personal responsibility, compassion and civility - through a series of lectures by distinguished speakers and conversation with extraordinary individuals who exemplify the universal values in line with the mission of Y. T. Hwang Family Foundation and The Korea Society. The Korea Society and Y. T. Hwang Family Foundation is proud to present Dr. Jim Yong Kim, who will deliver the inaugural lecture of the new series. For more information, please visit the link below:
/episode/index/show/koreasociety/id/29446273
info_outline
The U.S.-South Korea Alliance: Why It May Fail and Why It Must Not
01/10/2024
The U.S.-South Korea Alliance: Why It May Fail and Why It Must Not
January 9, 2024 - Join us for a book talk with the Council on Foreign Relations Senior Fellow for Korea Studies and Director of the Program on U.S.-Korea Policy Scott Snyder. This new work provides an authoritative overview of the internal and external pressures on the U.S.–South Korea alliance and explores its future prospects. He argues that exclusive-nationalist leaders’ accession to power and domestic political polarization in the United States and South Korea could put past successes at risk and endanger the national security objectives of both countries. In the United States, “America First” nationalism favors self-interest over cooperation and portrays allies as burdens or even free riders. “Korea first” sentiments, in both progressive and conservative forms, present the U.S. military presence in South Korea as an obstacle to inter-Korean reconciliation or a shackle on South Korea’s freedom of action. Snyder also examines North Korea’s attempts to influence South Korean domestic politics and how China’s growing strength has affected the dynamics of the alliance. He considers scenarios in which the U.S.-South Korea relationship weakens or crumbles, emphasizing the consequences for the region and the world. Drawing on this analysis, Snyder offers timely recommendations for stakeholders in both countries on how to preserve and strengthen the alliance. The conversation is moderated by policy director Jonathan Corrado. This program is produced in partnership between The Korea Society and The Council on Foreign Relations. For more information, please visit the link below:
/episode/index/show/koreasociety/id/29427848
info_outline
Beyond Utopia: Screening and Q&A with Sue Mi Terry, Rachel Cohen, and Seohyun Lee
01/08/2024
Beyond Utopia: Screening and Q&A with Sue Mi Terry, Rachel Cohen, and Seohyun Lee
Recorded January 4, 2024 Join us for a screening of the documentary film BEYOND UTOPIA, winner of the Audience Award for US Documentary Features at the 2023 Sundance Film Festival. BEYOND UTOPIA is a suspenseful look at the lengths people will go to gain freedom. It follows various individuals as they attempt to flee North Korea, one of the most oppressive places on earth. At the film’s core are a mother desperate to reunite with the child she was forced to leave behind; a family of five - including small children and an elderly grandmother - embarking on a treacherous journey across the Yalu River and into the hostine mountains of China; and a man of God on a mission to help these desperate souls. Gripping, visceral, and urgent, Madeleine Gavin’s film embers the viewers with these family members as they attempt their perilous escape, palpably conveying life-or-death stakes. After the film, stay for a Q&A with Producers Sue Mi Terry and Rachel Cohen as well as human rights advocate and North Korean defector Seohyun Lee, moderated by policy program officer Chelsie Alexandre. For more information, please visit the links below: Beyond Utopia trailer -
/episode/index/show/koreasociety/id/29395788
info_outline
Is Sentiment Shifting on Foreign Policy, Alliances, and the US-Korea Relationship?
12/14/2023
Is Sentiment Shifting on Foreign Policy, Alliances, and the US-Korea Relationship?
December 14, 2023 - How does the US public view America’s place in the world? How strong are the bonds between the US and Korea? Conversely, how does the Korean public view the United States as a partner and an ally? How are these views changing and what are the implications for global geopolitics, the US-Korea Alliance, and peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula? The expert panel includes: Troy Stangarone, Senior Director and Fellow at the Korea Economic Institute (KEI) and an author of KEI’s “,” Dina Smeltz, Senior Fellow, Public Opinion and Foreign Policy for the Chicago Council on Global Affairs and author of the survey report, “,” and Dr. Woo Chang Kang, associate professor in the Department of Politics and International Relations at Korea University, who will explore the implications for Korea of these recent surveys, as well as the equivalent surveys in Korea. The conversation is moderated by policy director Jonathan Corrado. For more information, please visit the link below:
/episode/index/show/koreasociety/id/29084923
info_outline
The Korean Wave: Where did it come from, and where is it going? A Conversation with Korea's Ambassador for Cultural Cooperation Sohn Jie-ae
12/08/2023
The Korean Wave: Where did it come from, and where is it going? A Conversation with Korea's Ambassador for Cultural Cooperation Sohn Jie-ae
December 8, 2023 - The world is captivated by Korean culture. This fascination and popular interest, once focused on K-drama and K-pop, have now extended into fashion, food, fine art, classical and various genres of music. So much so that various institutions are pondering the question: what is the secret of Korea’s cultural success? To answer this question, Korea’s Ambassador for Cultural Cooperation Sohn Jie-ae, a former CNN Seoul correspondent, explores the basic values and thoughts that lie behind the strength of Korea’s cultural wave in her conversation with Vivian Lee. For more information, please visit the link below:
/episode/index/show/koreasociety/id/28995398
info_outline
The Return of Industrial Policy: Lessons from Korea with Munseob Lee
12/07/2023
The Return of Industrial Policy: Lessons from Korea with Munseob Lee
2023 Sherman Family Korea Emerging Scholar Lecture December 6, 2023 - The Korea Society is pleased to announce that the winner of the 7th Annual Sherman Family Korea Emerging Scholar Lecture Competition is Dr. Munseob Lee, Assistant Professor at the University of California San Diego. Dr. Lee will address The Return of Industrial Policy: Lessons from Korea. Industrial policy is making a comeback. Signs of government intervention in support of industry are visible not only in China, but in the U.S., Europe, and Asia. Drawing lessons learned from Korea’s experience, Lee provides important insights for today’s policy-makers. A notable case to be discussed is the Korean government's implementation of the heavy and chemical industry drive in 1973. While that policy yielded positive outcomes for the targeted industries, it also resulted in a higher concentration within those sectors. Lee emphasizes the intricate nature of industrial policy and stresses the need for a thorough evaluation of its costs and benefits before implementation, especially now given the current bipartisan support for substantial bills in the U.S. aimed at revitalizing industrial policy. As one reviewer stated, “At this critical time Lee revisits the effectiveness of Korean industrial policy during a high development phase to glean useful insights for Korea, U.S., and beyond.” The Lecture is moderated by Thomas Byrne, President and CEO of The Korea Society. The intent of the annual Sherman Family Lecture Award is to grow U.S. thought leadership on Korea for a new generation. The award is presented across disciplines and to emerging thought leaders, from doctoral candidates to junior professors and respective research or non-profit professionals. The award is made possible through the generosity of Mr. and Mrs. Philip Sherman and family. For more information, please visit the link below:
/episode/index/show/koreasociety/id/28979943
info_outline
The Future of North Korea Policy: A New Framing of the Challenge
12/05/2023
The Future of North Korea Policy: A New Framing of the Challenge
Recorded October 6, 2023 In October of 2023, the NCAFP’s Forum on Asia-Pacific Security reconvened its 2021 and 2022 cohorts of Emerging Leaders in NYC for two days of conferences and meetings with think tanks and experts on Korean Peninsula and Asia-Pacific security issues. The NCAFP partnered with the Korea Society to record a roundtable discussion on North Korea policy. In this conversation moderated by NCAFP Emerging Leader (2021) and the Korea Society’s Policy Director, Jonathan Corrado, Shaquille James (U.S. Air Force, 2021), Nazanin Zadeh-Cummings (Rijksuniversiteit Groningen, 2022), and Marialaura De Angelis (Track2Asia, 2022) discussed a new framing of the North Korean challenge, new approaches to engaging with North Korea, and transitional justice and contingency scenarios.
/episode/index/show/koreasociety/id/28937903
info_outline
YPN: Leading With Vision at Kakao Mobility: A Conversation with SVP Christopher Chang
12/01/2023
YPN: Leading With Vision at Kakao Mobility: A Conversation with SVP Christopher Chang
Recorded November 30, 2023 Kakao Mobility Corp, a mobility subsidiary of South Korea's tech giant Kakao Corp, is a one of a kind mobility platform company. It operates the Kakao T app, a super app that provides an all-in-one mobility experience, with an industry-defining and market-leading “No. 1” product portfolio comprised of taxi-hailing, designated driver, turn-by-turn navigation, smart parking, micro-mobility, flight/train/shuttle, as well as future mobility such as autonomous driving, robotics, HD Maps, and Urban Air Mobility. On November 30th, our Young Professionals’ Network invites Dr. Christopher Chang (장성욱), the Senior Vice President of Kakao Mobility Corp, to discuss his significant contributions to mobility technology innovation. Join this conversation, moderated by Frank Bi, Director of Tools and Technology at The Star Tribune, to learn more about Dr. Chang’s fascinating personal journey to his current position and to hear his distinctive insights into Kakao Mobility’s business model. This discussion will be held in-person at The Korea Society and will be followed by a brief networking session with the guest speaker. Light refreshments will be available for those in attendance. For more information, please visit the link below:
/episode/index/show/koreasociety/id/28888773
info_outline
Chosen: Film Screening and Director Q&A
11/21/2023
Chosen: Film Screening and Director Q&A
Recorded November 2, 2023 - Join us to watch Chosen, a documentary that follows five Korean Americans of vastly diverse backgrounds with competing political views as they run for US Congress in 2020. David Kim is the only underdog with limited resources vying to be the first Korean American representative in Koreatown. Director Joseph Juhn joins for an intimate Q&A session after the film in conversation with policy program officer Chelsie Alexandre, providing opportunities for audience members to ask questions. Video version including trailer available at the link below: For more information, please visit the link below:
/episode/index/show/koreasociety/id/28739958
info_outline
YPN - Beyond Boundaries: A Conversation with Sang A Im
11/17/2023
YPN - Beyond Boundaries: A Conversation with Sang A Im
November 16, 2023 - The Korea Society welcomes Sang A Im, fashion designer and former South Korean actress/singer, to the Young Professionals’ Network for a conversation about her unique journey to success in the cutthroat New York City design world. At Genesis House, a beautiful modern oasis influenced by Korean culture, Sang A Im met with Vivian Lee, Emmy Award-winning TV Journalist & Correspondent at Asian American Life, for a discussion about leaving the Korean entertainment industry behind, starting a business in an unfamiliar country, becoming a self-made entrepreneur, the inspiration behind her designs, and more. This program was recorded at Genesis House on Monday, October 16th in New York City, NY. For the video version of this interview, please visit the link below: For more information, please visit the link below:
/episode/index/show/koreasociety/id/28693873