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, U.S.-ROK New Economic Paradigm. 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 The Korea Economic Institute of America (KEI), Washington, D.C. For more information, please visit the link below: https://www.koreasociety.org/policy-and-corporate-programs/item/1809-the-dynamic-u-s-rok-trade-and-investment-relationship-current-issues-and-prospects

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: https://www.koreasociety.org/policy-and-corporate-programs/item/1807-the-republic-of-korea-and-the-un-security-council-with-rok-permanent-representative-to-the-united-nations-ambassador-joonkook-hwang

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: https://www.koreasociety.org/arts-culture/item/1804-jang-the-soul-of-korean-cooking

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: https://www.koreasociety.org/policy-and-corporate-programs/item/1793-legal-career-insights-a-panel-discussion

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: https://koreasociety.org/policy-and-corporate-programs/item/1780-korean-unification-a-fading-prospect

March 4, 2024 - Snowglobe 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: https://www.koreasociety.org/arts-culture/item/1782-snowglobe-with-soyoung-park-and-joungmin-lee-comfort

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 Hanwha Life For more information, please visit the link below: https://www.koreasociety.org/policy-and-corporate-programs/item/1781-charting-entrepreneurial-paths-curtis-lee-from-luxe-to-pinwheel-and-beyond

Ambassador Bonnie Jenkins discusses deterring North Korea and the US-ROK Alliance, focusing on North Korea's evolving nuclear capabilities and ties with Russia. The podcast also explores the interconnected threats of North Korea and Russia, the challenges of potential conflicts in the Indo-Pacific, and the importance of youth engagement in addressing global challenges.

Discussions on heightened tensions in Korea from recent events, potential conflict risks, talks on Seoul's nuclear deterrent, and suggestions for de-escalation and diplomacy. Expert insights on Korean Peninsula affairs, evolving relationships with China and Russia, and strategies for peace-building. Analysis on North Korea's weapons program, accidental military clashes, and U.S. role in controlling escalation. Exploring China's foreign policy, potential conflicts in East Asia, and diplomatic relations with North Korea.

Author and translator discuss the surreal and chilling stories in 'Your Utopia', exploring themes of patriarchy, capitalism, and big tech. They delve into the essence of humanity through science fiction elements like robots and machines, the complexities of translating science fiction literature, and the unattainable ideal of utopia. The chapter also navigates the fame and challenges faced by the authors as their book gains international recognition.