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The Korea Society's Members' Newsletter | April 2026
Published 3 days ago • 12 min read
Members' Newsletter | April 2026
Editor: Stephanie Hwang, Development Program Officer
WELCOME MESSAGE
Welcome to Spring, all individual and corporate members! It was great seeing those of you who attended our Spring Happy Hour mixer last week.
As we welcome in the (occasionally) warmer weather in NYC, we invite you to consider adding nourishing, seasonal spring foods into your diet. The idea of eating seasonally, or choosing foods that are at their freshest and most flavorful in line with a given climate, is neither new nor unique to Korea. However, the practice of being in harmony with the seasons has been part of a longstanding cultural principle in Korea for thousands of years, rooted in tradition and philosophies around maintaining balance with nature. As a result, the emphasis on seasonal foods remains deeply embedded in Korean culture today.
After emerging from the winter cold, spring is a time to reawaken and refresh the body. In Korean culture, this means incorporating lighter, nutrient-dense foods that support digestion and health. Some recommended seasonal foods include:
Spring greens (봄나물, bom-namul) such as shepherd’s purse (냉이), mugwort (쑥), and wild chives (달래), which are rich in vitamins and known in Korea for helping restore energy
Young vegetables like spinach, lettuce, watercress, and cabbage, which are high in fiber and antioxidants
The importance of food and seasonality presents itself across many facets of Korean culture, with its roots in Korea's agrarian history. For much of its history, Korea was an agricultural society, where livelihoods depended heavily on the success of seasonal harvests, ultimately fostering a deep awareness of natural cycles. At the same time, Korea’s agricultural system has long been shaped by geographic and resource constraints. With limited arable land (only about 15–20% of the country suitable for farming) and a wide-ranging four-season climate, Korea has historically relied on intensive agriculture, particularly rice cultivation. Today, while rice remains central, Korea is much more dependent on food imports - making the tradition of eating seasonal and local foods even more significant to uphold.
Read on to learn what programs are available at The Korea Society this month across our Business & Economics, Policy, Arts & Culture, and Education departments.
Thank you for being a member of The Korea Society and for all you do to support our organization! Please help us connect with new members by spreading the word, sharing our programs, and providing this link to join our membership program.
UPCOMING EVENTS | April 2026
MEMBERS-ONLY
MEMBERS-ONLY DISCOUNT
2026 PEN WORLD VOICES FESTIVAL
📅 Festival Dates: Wed, April 29 - Sat, May 2
📢 USE CODE PENPAL26 FOR A 20% OFF DISCOUNT ON ANY TICKETED PROGRAM!
The Korea Society is proud to be a community partner of the PEN World Voices Festival, and we are excited to share the following programs featuring Korean and Korean-American authors.
This program looks at the early promises of connection & community promised by the internet, how that promise devolved over time, and asks whether a better future is possible online. Moderated by Korean-American award-winning tech journalist Sarah Jeong (The Internet of Garbage), and featuring Cory Doctorow, Tochi Onyebuchi, and Alia Dastagir. 🎫 May 1 - Beyond Empire: Radical Possibility & Genre Fiction
This event welcome writers of color working across genres as they speak to the ways they use the narrative archetypes to confront the lasting, real-world effects of racism, segregation, colonialism, and imperialism. Features Korean author Silvia Park (Lumnious), Samrat Upadhyay, Quan Barry, Rivers Solomon, and Gabino Iglesias.
This event looks at how globally, political and cultural forces are aligning to narrowly define national identities, and the ways in which literature champions a diversity of cultures. Features Korean-American author Susan Choi (Flashlight), Dinaw Mengestu, Tash Aw, Patricia Smith, & Madeleine Thien.
This panel of graphic novelists will explore what makes them so powerful, and so popular, and will reveal the challenges and joys of their creative process. Features Jarrett J. Krosoczka, Jennifer and Matthew Holm, Huda Fahmy, and Korean-American author/illustrator Robin Ha (The Fox Maidens, Almost American Girl).
Wed, May 6, 2026 | 7:30 PM (EDT) | In-person at Citi Field
The Major League Soccer Team New York City Football Club (NYCFC) has scheduled its home match against Los Angeles FC for May 6th at Citi Field! The Boys in Blue look to defend home turf as Son Heung-min and LAFC visit for a marquee East vs. West matchup.
🎫 Tickets are on sale now! Only members who purchase through the attached link will receive the ticket discount.
Thu, May 21, 2026 | 11:30 AM - 7:00 PM (EDT) | In-person at Citi Headquarters
The Korea Society is excited to announce the 2026 Startup Sceneannual forum. “Startups in Focus: AI Powering the Way We Live” examines how AI transforms the way we live, work, create, and make decisions across sectors, featuring thematic panels on AI’s expanding role in human-machine interaction, creative economies, financial infrastructure, and everyday consumer and knowledge tools.
🎫 Ticket Prices:
Early-Bird General Admission (until April 26): $50
Spotlight: Resources on Korea and US-Korea Relations
Wed, April 8, 2026 | 8:00 AM (EDT) | Live Webcast only
Join us for a virtual tour of archival resources about Korea and U.S.-Korea relations available for virtual and U.S.-based researchers. This discussion highlights a diverse array of both longstanding and emerging collections, providing a wide survey of available historical resources. Featuring: Dr. David Fields, Associate Director of the Center for East Asian Studies at University of Wisconsin-Madison, Joe McChristian, Jr., President of The Van Fleet Foundation, Dr. Sam Rushay, Supervisory Archivist at the Harry S. Truman Library and Museum, and Dr. Elli Kim, Korea Reference Librarian Asian Division at The Library of Congress.
Global Venture Without Borders: A Conversation with Eric Kim
Fri, April 10, 2026 | 12:00 PM (EDT) | Video Release only
The Korea Society is bringing Startup Scene to Yale Ventures – connecting Yale’s entrepreneurial community with leading consumer technology investor Eric Kim, Co-Founder and Managing Partner at Goodwater Capital and Yale University alumnus, for a fireside conversation on building global consumer technology companies across borders. Moderated by Josh Geballe (Yale Ventures), the conversation offers insights on the rise of the global startup ecosystem, cross-border investment strategy, and how investors identify and scale the next generation of consumer platforms.
Join us for a book talk with Jonathan Cheng, author of the new history book Korean Messiah, which explores “the rise of the Kim dynasty and its surprising ties to American Christianity.” In the book, Cheng, who is The Wall Street Journal’s current China bureau chief and former Korea bureau chief, documents the profusion and lasting impact of Christianity in North Korea’s current capital of Pyongyang. Barbara Demick, author of Nothing to Envy: Ordinary Lives in North Korea, joins the conversation as a discussant, and the discussion is moderated by policy director Jonathan Corrado.
Thu, April 16, 2026 | 5:00 PM (EDT) | Video release
In her mind-expanding work of speculative fiction, Bo-young Kim explores the driving forces of humanity—love, hope, creation, destruction, and the very meaning of existence. Her strikingly original work teems with human and non-human beings, all of whom are striving to survive through evolution, whether biologically, technologically or socially. An award-winning author widely recognized as a pioneer and inspiration in Korean literature, Bo-young Kim discusses her career in this episode of Author Talks.
"Across Languages: New Voices in Korean Poetry" brings together acclaimed South Korean poets Lee Jenny, Yoo Heekyung, Oh Eun, and Shin Hae-uk with award-winning literary translators Archana Madhavan and Stine An, for a Korean–English bilingual reading and conversation to share the dynamism and innovations of language in Korean poetry culture. The speakers examine the cultural centrality of poetry in Korea and consider translation as a critical, creative practice that reshapes how literature circulates, sounds, and is felt across languages. This program is presented in partnership with Ugly Duckling Presse and Zephyr Press.
America's Taiwan Dilemma: Allies' Reactions and the Stakes for US Reputation
Thu, April 23, 2026 | 4:00 PM (EDT) | Live Webcast only
Join us for a discussion with Mark Christopher, author of the new book: America's Taiwan Dilemma: Allies' Reactions and the Stakes for US Reputation (use the coupon code SAVE20 for a 20% discount on the print edition). In conversation with policy director Jonathan Corrado, Cristopher unpacks his findings from his rigorous open-source analysis, based on over 100 interviews with leading experts from around the world, of how America’s key allies would respond to US intervention or inaction in a Taiwan conflict.
Tue, April 28, 2026 | 6:00 PM (EDT) | Video Release only
In If We Cannot Go at the Speed of Light, Korean science fiction superstar Kim Choyeop offers a stunning and poignant collection of literary speculative fiction stories that explore the complexities of identity, love, death, and the search for life’s meaning. With unforgettable inventiveness and pathos, If We Cannot Go at the Speed of Light heralds the arrival of an essential voice in contemporary fiction. In this episode of Author Talks, Kim and her English translator Anton Hur discuss her English debut.
Wed, April 29, 2026 | 6:00 PM (EDT) | In-person & Recorded video
Join us for an upcoming program in The Korea Society’s Young Professionals Network: Lessons Learned series, presented in partnership with the Korea Finance Society (KFS). This program features Karen Choi, Partner at Capital Group, in conversation with Sandra Schubert, Managing Director at Goldman Sachs, who will share lessons from building a long-term career at the highest levels of the global finance industry. Drawing on shared industry experience, the conversation will be followed by a Q&A and networking session, offering an opportunity to engage directly with the speakers.
In her solo exhibition, Ran Hwang explores the cyclical patterns of life and the fleeting nature of beauty, evoking a sense of tranquility. Hwang creates her art through a meticulous and repetitive process, utilizing everyday materials.
To make a gallery appointment, please contact info@koreasociety.org at least 24 hours prior to the scheduled visit.
The Korea Society, in partnership with the Korea Finance Society, warmly invites you to the 35th Annual Van Fleet Memorial Golf Tournament on May 18, 2026. We are pleased to return to Baltusrol Golf Club in New Jersey, with this year’s tournament to be held on the renowned Upper Course. As we celebrate the 35th anniversary of this special event, we are honored to continue this legacy and to welcome our members, supporters, and friends for a memorable day of championship golf and camaraderie, while strengthening business, government, and cultural ties between the United States and Korea.
KOREAN LANGUAGE PROGRAM
The Korean Language Program offers four terms per year with courses spanning nine levels of instruction from beginning to advanced. Classes generally meet for two hours, once per week, for a period of 10 weeks. We offer both comprehensive and conversation classes which are among our most popular. We also offer short, two-hour workshops focused on specific topics of interest, e.g. K-Pop, K-Drama, Survival Korean and Tips.
📢 Registration for our spring term closes on April 12, 2026.
As part of your TKS membership benefits, we're pleased to offer a 10% discount on language classes to all members of The Korea Society (at Individual Level+). Returning students from the previous term receive an additional 10% discount.
K-Dialogue: New Technology and AI Development In Korea Workshop
Thu, April 23, 2026 | 7:00 PM (EDT) via Zoom | $20 Registration
Do you want to improve your Korean speaking skills? In this workshop, we will read articles from Korean newspapers about AI and new technology development in Korea, and discuss various questions related to the topic. The workshop will be conducted using both English and Korean, but discussions will be primarily be held in Korean, to provide plenty of opportunities to practice speaking.
This workshop is open to ages 16+. Materials will be provided in class. Intermediate-level Korean proficiency or above is recommended.
PAST HIGHLIGHTS | March 2026
Check out last month's programs.
Navigating Trade Uncertainty: Tariffs, Supply Chains, and US-Korea Strategy
In light of the recent Supreme Court decision regarding the use of IEEPA for tariffs, The Korea Society hosted a closed-door discussion to examine the evolving architecture of U.S. trade enforcement authorities and the implications for U.S.–Korea economic relations. The conversation explored the expected trajectory of U.S. tariff policy following the February 20 ruling, including potential policy pathways involving Sections 122, 232, and 301 and the broader strategic considerations shaping intergovernmental coordination between Washington and Seoul. The discussion also considered how this period of uncertainty may present an opportunity to strengthen bilateral economic cooperation in ways that advance mutual benefit.
In her solo exhibition, Ran Hwang presents large-scale installations that explore the cyclical patterns of life and the fleeting nature of beauty. Hwang creates her art through a meticulous and repetitive process, utilizing everyday materials such as paper buttons and pins. This requires intense concentration and discipline, reflecting the meditative state of Zen masters and the spiritual values traditionally sought by scholars of the past. While painstaking and labor intensive, the process also embodies an aesthetic of transcending difficulty, ultimately visualizing a serene beauty and noble spirit that defines the artist's unique perspective.
Hwang discusses her art and career in conversation with Bradley Bailey, the Ting Tsung and Wei Fong Chao Curator of Asian Art at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston.
Korea in Transition: Late 19th-Century Art in the Peabody Essex Museum Collection
Peabody Essex Museum’s Korean art collection, comprising nearly 2,000 works, offers a distinctive lens on late 19th and early 20th century Korea, a period marked by reform, global encounter, and artistic transition. Anchored by objects from the first Korean diplomatic delegation to the United States in 1883 and Korea’s participation in the 1893 Chicago World’s Columbian Exposition, the collection reveals how late Joseon art responded to shifting political realities, foreign contact, and emerging modern sensibilities. Initiated under Director Edward Sylvester Morse, the collection tells intertwined stories of continuity and transition. Jiyeon Kim, Curator of Korean Art and Culture at PEM, explores how the late 19th-century Joseon adapted courtly traditions and responded to new popular demands, while also considering the global interactions and human connections forged across the ocean at a pivotal moment in Korean history.
Y. T. Hwang Family Foundation Series: Rabbi Angela Buchdahl with Kyung Yoon
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 presents a Series on Ethics and Common Values. This series promotes the understanding of central themes of our human existence 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 Rabbi Angela Buchdahl in a conversation with Kyung Yoon.
What programs would you like to see at The Korea Society? Are there speakers, topics, industries, or cultural events you’re excited about? Do you have ideas for collaborations or member benefits you’d value?
Share your suggestions through our quick suggestion box survey! Your input helps us design programming and partnerships that better serve our community.
Feel free to submit your thoughts anonymously, and we appreciate your thoughtful input.
Thank you for helping shape what’s next!
YOUTUBE SHORTS
Check out our past programs on The Korea Society's YouTube Channel and subscribe today!
Thanks to our Media Program Associate Bradley Sheen, you can see the best clips from our guest speakers on YouTube Shorts. Click on the most recent highlight shown here, or visit the page below for our full collection of shorts.
North Korea is officially entering its Eurasian era. Pyongyang joins Russia, Belarus, Iran, and Myanmar in a new "Eurasian charter." From BRICS meetings to security conferences in Minsk, Choe Son-hui is making it clear: the focus is shifting toward a multipolar 21st century."
We are always looking to improve the quality of our organization's programs and content! If you have any feedback, suggestions, or ideas about how we can improve, email us at development@koreasociety.org
A nonprofit, nonpartisan, 501(c)(3) organization with individual and corporate members that is dedicated solely to the promotion of greater awareness, understanding, and cooperation between the people of the United States and Korea.
This monthly newsletter is designed to keep our community of members informed about our latest achievements, upcoming programs, and other exciting updates.
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