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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The Korea Society's Members' Newsletter | August 2026
Published 2 months ago • 8 min read
Members' Newsletter | August 2026
Editor: Stephanie Hwang, Development Program Officer
WELCOME MESSAGE
Welcome to August, corporate and individual members! As the summer heat winds down, Korea's Sambok (삼복) season comes to its close on Malbok (말복) - the last of the hottest days of the season - on August 14th. To keep the traditional spirit of i-yeol-chi-yeol (이열치열), meaning "fighting heat with heat," you can mark the occasion with one final bowl of hot samgyetang (chicken soup) to regain strength and nourishment.
On August 15th, Korea observes one of the most meaningful dates on its calendar: Gwangbokjeol (광복절), or National Liberation Day. The name roughly translates to "the restoration of light," and the day commemorates two milestones that happen to share the same date three years apart. On August 15, 1945, Korea was liberated from 35 years of Japanese colonial rule following Japan's surrender at the end of World War II. Then, on August 15, 1948, the Republic of Korea's government was formally established, with Syngman Rhee inaugurated as its first president just one month after the Constitution was signed on Constitution Day, mentioned last month. Today, Gwangbokjeol is marked across the country with the raising of the Korean flag and a renewed sense of national pride. At The Korea Society, we're marking these milestones of Korea's modern history as summer draws to a close. Read on to discover programs across our Business & Economics, Policy, Arts & Culture, and Education departments this month.
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.
Events Running from June 21 – Aug 13; Hours: 10AM - 8PM
Address: 345 Adams St., Brooklyn, NY 11201
Discover HAUS OF K, a first-of-its-kind destination celebrating the best of Korean beauty, culture, and innovation. Over the course of three months, visitors can explore curated K-beauty brands, immersive experiences, and Korean food and beverage offerings in a stunningly transformed Hana House in Brooklyn.
As the largest K-beauty activation ever presented in North America, HAUS OF K is supported by both government partners and many of the industry's leading beauty companies. The space has been reimagined by renowned Korean design firms, creating a vibrant cultural hub and premier event venue.
Join us for this extraordinary showcase of contemporary Korea and experience firsthand the creativity, innovation, and global influence shaping Korean culture today.
The Korea Society’s 2026 Annual Gala is the most prestigious event in the U.S.–Korea gathering in New York City each year, convening heads of state, Fortune 500 CEOs, cabinet officials, ambassadors, and cultural leaders under one roof to strengthen the alliance that shapes both nations. It is where this consequential partnership is celebrated, and the most important policy, business, and civic leaders contributing and shaping this alliance are recognized. For sponsors, it is the most visible platform elevating the U.S.–Korea relationship in New York City.
This year, the Korea Society is honored to announce the 2026 Van Fleet Award recipient is Jensen Huang, Founder and CEO of NVIDIA, in recognition of his visionary leadership and transformative contributions to the artificial intelligence (AI) and semiconductor industries — sectors central to the evolving U.S.–Korea economic partnership. The 2026 Van Fleet Award honors, for the first time, Huang’s historic and ongoing contribution to the U.S.–Korea bilateral alliance and the technology future they are building together.
The Greenpoint Film Festival (GFF) is a filmmaker-driven international festival dedicated to championing bold, independent voices from around the world. GFF returns this August 5–9 to Brooklyn, NY with a program featuring several films by Korean American filmmakers, including:
Come Home | Friday, August 7 | 3:00 PM Directed by Katelyn Park, this animated short follows a Korean American daughter as she revisits memories of her childhood and finds the courage to reconnect with her father.
Transaction Cancelled | Saturday, August 8 | 1:30 PM Written, directed, and starring Sebastian Kim, this short follows a desperate young man in Chinatown whose lies spiral into a chaotic day of deception and confrontation.
Selfless | Saturday, August 8 | 7:30 PM Directed by Jason Hyun Kim, this short follows a devoted mother who makes a heartbreaking decision to secure her son’s future, forcing her family to confront guilt, sacrifice, and betrayal.
Enter GFF26KS at checkout to receive a 10% off discount.
In her absorbing and candid novel Hello Baby, Kim Eui Kyung explores what women endure to become mothers. The novel features six women in their thirties and forties who strike up a friendship at a fertility clinic in Seoul and share their personal paths to motherhood via a group chat they name "Hello Baby." Switching between the six characters—a journalist, a police officer, a vet, a lawyer, and two housewives—this thought-provoking novel explores the social pressure and emotional strain on women struggling to conceive. Written with insight, humor, and great empathy, Hello Baby is a moving portrait of what it means to be a woman today and the lengths some will go to seek motherhood.
In this episode of Author Talks, Kim Eui-Kyung discusses her novel, translated into English by Sora Kim-Russell.
Finding Your Path: Perspectives on Korean American Giving
Thu, August 27, 2026 | 6:30 PM (EDT) | In-person only
The Korea Society and the Korean American Community Foundation’s (KACF) Associate Board are excited to present Finding Your Path: Perspectives on Korean American Giving, an intimate conversation exploring philanthropy, purpose-driven leadership, and the power of giving back.
We are joined by Christine Kang, Program Management Director at Blue Meridian Partners, and Mickey Hyun, Associate Manager for Friends of Asian Art at The MET. Together, they will share their experiences and insights on what it means to lead with purpose, build strong communities, and drive meaningful change through service, advocacy, and giving.
This panel will be moderated by Angela Bonato, Program Officer of the Maverick Capital Foundation and a KACF Associate Board member.
Kim Koo: Dreaming of Peace Through the Power of Culture
📅 Exhibition Dates: May 28 - Aug 31
📅 Gallery Hours: Mon–Fri, 10AM–4:30PM
The Korea Society is honored to host a special exhibition honoring the life, enduring vision, and profound legacy of Kim Koo—one of the most revered leaders of the Korean independence movement. To commemorate UNESCO’s designation of 2026 as the 150th anniversary of Kim Koo’s birth, The Korea Society offers a unique opportunity to reflect on his legacy through a visual exhibition.
To make a gallery appointment, please contact info@koreasociety.org at least 24 hours prior to the scheduled visit.
2026 Fall Korean Language Program REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN
📅 Course Dates: September 14 ~ November 20
📅 Meet: Once a week • 2 or 2.5 hours per session
Limited spots available—sign up before it's full!
Class Level: Beginning to Intermediate
Mode: Online (ZOOM)
Join classes live or access class materials and recordings to learn at your own pace!
10% DISCOUNT for KLP returning students and The Korea Society members If you have previously taken an 8-week or 10-week KLP course or if you are a member of The Korea Society at the Individual level and above, Please contact language@koreasociety.org to receive your 10% discount code. Please note that only one discount code can be applied per registration.
Tuesday, August 18, 7:00-9:00 PM (EDT) Mode: Online (Zoom), $40 fee Instructor: Sunhee Song
No prior knowledge of Korean is required.
This workshop will explore authentic Korea expressions using lyrics of selected K-pop songs as a guide to uncover everyday language! We will learn practical expressions and vocabulary through lyrics from the following songs:
“It Must Be Love (사랑인가봐)” – MeloMance (K-pop Demon Hunters soundtrack)
“I Give You My Heart (마음을 드려요)” – IU (Crash Landing on You soundtrack)
🍚 Korean Through Korean Cuisine Workshop: 'Culinary Class Wars'
Tuesday, August 25, 7:00-9:00 PM (EDT) Mode: Online (Zoom), $40 fee Instructor: Sunhee Song
For learners who can read Korean alphabet or anyone interested in learning Korean through Korean cuisine!
Inspired by Netflix’s Culinary Class Wars (흑백요리사), this workshop explores Korean cuisine while introducing essential Korean expressions and vocabulary related to food, ingredients, and cooking. Participants will learn useful Korean expressions and vocabulary related to food and cooking while discovering the stories and culture behind hansik!
On July 27, 2026, the Korea Society hosted a conversation with Leesle Hwang, who discussed “Korean Chic” in her brand and design philosophy.
Leesle Hwang has built a distinctive fashion universe by reinterpreting Korean heritage through a modern lens. Her philosophy is rooted in the belief that “fashion comes to life not in a museum, but on the street.” Determined to transform time-honored traditions into living, breathing style, she reconstructs hanbok silhouettes, signature details, and unique textiles with contemporary materials, creating designs that are both distinctive and accessible. This vision has cultivated a devoted global following, positioning her as a pioneering voice in the emerging fashion genre of “Korean Chic” at a time when global interest in K-culture is at an all-time high.
On July 23, 2026, the Korea Society held a special reception to celebrate the U.S.-Korea Alliance and commemorate the 73rd anniversary of the Korean War Armistice Agreement, signed on July 27, 1953. Policy director Jonathon Corrado, Consul General Sangho Kim, Brigadier General (Ret.) Chris Stockel, and distinguished veterans of the Korean War spoke about the profound sacrifice and contribution of U.S. and South Korean Veterans. This evening was dedicated to honoring the historic U.S.-Korea alliance and redouble our shared commitment to its future.
This program was made possible by the generous support of our individual and corporate members, Korea Defense Veterans Association(KDVA), the Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in New York, and the Korea Foundation.
The Kindred Lens: Spotting Supernova with Steve Jang
In case you missed it live (or want to relive the highlights), we're excited to share key moments from this year's Startup Scene: Entrepreneurs of Tomorrow — from the culmination of the 2026 Annual Forum to the Emerging Design Competition.
First up: the full recording of The Kindred Lens: Spotting Supernova with Steve Jang (Founder & Managing Partner, Kindred Ventures), the opening panel of the 2026 Startup Scene Annual Forum, is now live on YouTube! During the session, Steve shared sharp insights on portfolio strategy, and market opportunities in today's funding environment while answering some great audience questions. Stay tuned for more video releases from the 2026 Startup Scene Annual Forum.
MEDIA HIGHLIGHT
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.
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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