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 | October 2025
Published 3 months ago • 12 min read
Members' Newsletter | October 2025
by Stephanie Hwang, Development Program Officer
WELCOME MESSAGE
Welcome to October, corporate and individual members of The Korea Society!
We are excited to welcome a month of celebration and connection, both in Korea and here at The Korea Society. October marks the arrival of Chuseok (추석), or Korean Thanksgiving, one of Korea's most meaningful and widely-celebrated holidays. Falling on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month, Chuseok is traditionally observed over three days and is a time for families to honor their ancestors, share festive meals, and enjoy cultural traditions that date back to the Three Kingdoms Era.
With Chuseok approaching soon on Monday, October 6th, remember to take a moment to give thanks and enjoy time with loved ones. In the spirit of this holiday, a traditional aspect of Chuseok involves gift-giving, with gifts ranging from premium cuts of beef and fresh seasonal fruit to beautifully packaged sets of household essentials. One particularly unique and popular gift is SPAM—first introduced to Korea by U.S. soldiers during the Korean War, SPAM has since become a staple in Korean pantries and a symbol of thoughtful giving. Today, Korea is the world’s second-largest consumer of SPAM, underscoring its enduring cultural significance.
This thoughtful tradition resonates with the values of connection that we embrace at The Korea Society. This month, we look forward to hosting the 2025 Annual Dinner, a special event that honors those who share in our mission of strengthening ties between the U.S. and Korea. In addition, our teams across Arts & Culture, Policy, Education, and Business & Economics are delivering an exciting lineup of eight diverse programs throughout October.
Thank you for being part of our community. Here’s to a month of reflection, celebration, and continued connection.
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.
IMAGE OF THE MONTH
by Thomas Byrne, President and CEO of The Korea Society
The U.S. government recently confirmed that South Korean engineers will be allowed to continue to work in the U.S. under short-term business visas. This is an initial, positive response that removes some uncertainty over the ability of Korean firms to make operational their large investments in the U.S., in the wake of the detention of hundreds of Korean workers at the Hyundai Motors and LG Energy Solutions joint venture electric battery plant in Ellabell, Georgia on September 4.
The media note released by the State Department after the inaugural meeting of the bilateral U.S.-ROK Business Travel and Visa Working Group on September 30 “reaffirmed the United States’ commitment to welcome and encourage foreign investment, particularly from the ROK, and emphasized the critical role of skilled personnel in ensuring the success of these investments.”
However, U.S. government immigration policies are not well aligned with its economic and strategic needs to rebuild the country’s industrial base. For example, the table below lists the countries with the ten largest beneficiaries of the H1-B visa program.
Source: Times of India (September 2025)
Note that South Korea lags India by a wide margin, even though its foreign direct investment (FDI) inflow was far larger, $13.8 billion compared with $1.1 billion, respectively, in 2024 (China has been reducing its stock of FDI in the past several years), according to SelectUSA’s most recent data.
Executive branch actions will not be enough to ensure long-term predictability in the visa regime. A sense of urgency is needed in Congress for the U.S. economy to realize the benefits of the growing swell of investment from South Korea and other countries.
For example, the bipartisan “Partner with Korea” bill, reintroduced by Representatives Young Kim (CA-40) and Sydney Kamlager (CA-37) in the 119th Congress, has languished since it was first introduced during the 113th Congress in 2013. After all, Congress has the power in the Constitution to “regulate commerce with foreign nations.”
The Porch on Windy Hill is currently running at Urban Stages (259 West 30th Street, NYC) through October 11, 2025.
This timely and powerful play follows Mira, a young Korean American classical violinist, who, just after the pandemic, returns to her North Carolina hometown to face her estranged grandfather—a Vietnam veteran with outdated views shaped by his era. As they struggle through painful memories and prejudice, they slowly find connection and healing through the universal language of music.
With the code "Arts20," members of The Korea Society are eligible to receive a 20% off discount.
Wed, October 8, 2025 | 8:00 AM (EDT) | Live Webcast only
Join us for a conversation with Seoul National University Sociology Professor Chang Kyung-Sup, who will discuss the challenges posed by South Korea’s “compressed modernity.” He writes that the same strategies that enabled explosive development and modernization in South Korea also produced “existentially hazardous consequences in virtually all areas of public and private life.” The Risk of Compressed Modernity is available for purchase online at a 20% discount using the code 20KSC. Professor Chang is joined in conversation with education senior advisor Linda Tobash, policy director Jonathan Corrado, and policy program officer Chelsie Alexandre. Support for this program is provided by The Institute of Social Sciences at Seoul National University (SNU ISS).
The U.S. and Korea are entering a pivotal phase of maritime cooperation since the start of the Trump 2.0 administration. Join us for a timely conversation with Colin Grabow (Cato Institute), moderated by Thomas Byrne (President and CEO of The Korea Society), as we explore how to steer this new bilateral framework toward mutual maritime and economic prosperity. At the heart of the discussion is the Jones Act, the 1920 law mandating domestically built and owned vessels for U.S. coastal trade. Together, we will consider whether reforms to the Act can unlock the full potential of U.S.–Korea maritime collaboration.
Thu, October 9, 2025 | 5:00 PM (EDT) | Video Release only
From award-winning and bestselling author You-Jeong Jeong (known as "South Korea's Stephen King") comes Perfect Happiness, a thrilling domestic nightmare. With unparalleled psychological precision, master of crime and suspense fiction You-Jeong Jeong weaves a domestic nightmare centered on Yuna Shin: wife, mother, sister—and covert narcissist. In this episode of Author Talks, You-Jeong Jeong discusses her career in Korea and the latest English translation of her novel.
Tue, October 14, 2025 | 5:00 PM (EDT) | Video Release only
With his installations, Hong Seon Jang transforms industrial products and found objects in order to explore the usually recognizable surroundings. As their conventional function and values are reinterpreted, distorted, and subverted, Jang investigates opposing concepts and contrasting ideas. Through his art, Jang invites viewers to re-examine how symbols acquire cultural and ideological significance, and how their meanings transform in displacement.
The Korea Society, Maekyung Media Group, Korea Finance Society (KFS), and Korea Investment Corporation (KIC) are co-hosting the Global Financial Leaders Forum 2025 on October 15, 2025, at The Plaza Hotel in New York. This forum, under the theme of "Invincible Strategies in an Uncertain Era", will analyze the global economic and financial landscape and explore resilient investment strategies tailored for today's volatile environment.
Join us for a discussion with Liberty in North Korea (LiNK) Advocacy Fellows to hear firsthand about the realities of life in North Korea, the decision and process of leaving, the adjustment to a new life in South Korea, and the discovery of new meaning and motivation. This discussion features two advocacy fellows: Rose Jang, a graduate from Hongik University Department of Architecture, and Hannah Oh, a fourth year student at Hongik University studying Electrical and Electronic Engineering, as well as Hannah Song, CEO of LiNK, in conversation with policy director Jonathan Corrado.
With generous support from Y.T. Hwang Family Foundation, The Korea Society presents the Series on Ethics and Common Values, which promotes the understanding of central themes of our human existence through a series of lectures in conversation with extraordinary individuals who exemplify the universal values of Y. T. Hwang Family Foundation and The Korea Society.
The Korea Society and Y. T. Hwang Family Foundation is proud to present Nicholas Harkness on the importance of global and regional studies in higher learning in relation to Korean Studies in the United States.
With generous support from Y.T. Hwang Family Foundation, The Korea Society presents the Series on Ethics and Common Values, which promotes the understanding of central themes of our human existence through a series of lectures in conversation with extraordinary individuals who exemplify the universal values of Y. T. Hwang Family Foundation and The Korea Society.
The Korea Society and Y. T. Hwang Family Foundation is proud to present Misook Doolittle, a fashion pioneer and philanthropist, in a conversation with Ambassador Kathleen Stephens.
Join us for a scene setter that explores the most significant agenda items of The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Forum (APEC) 2025 summit, held in Gyeongju, South Korea from October 31 to November 1, 2025. Held one week prior to the summit, the conversation features senior experts Ambassador (Ret.) Philip Goldberg, former US Ambassador to the Republic of Korea 2022-2025, and Kate Kalutkiewicz, Senior Managing Director of the Trade Practice at McLarty Associates and former Special Assistant to the President and Senior Director for International Trade at the National Economic Council.
The moderator is Tom Byrne, President and CEO of The Korea Society. This program is made possible by the generous support of Columbia University's Weatherhead East Asian Institute and the Korea Foundation.
SPECIAL EVENTS
2025 ANNUAL DINNER
As The Korea Society’s flagship event, the Annual Dinner convenes leaders and supporters who share our commitment to strengthening U.S.-Korea relations. We are delighted to invite you to the 2025 Annual Dinner, to be held on Thursday, October 23, at The Plaza Hotel.
This year, The Korea Society will present its highest honor—the General James A. Van Fleet Award—to Dr. Chang, In Hwa, Chief Executive Officer of POSCO Holdings, and the Congressional Study Group on Korea (CSGK), in recognition of their outstanding contributions to advancing political and economic ties between the United States and Korea.
With his installations, Hong Seon Jang uses industrial objects to explore our recognizable surroundings, inviting viewers to re-examine how symbols acquire cultural and ideological significance and how their meanings transform in displacement.
To make a gallery appointment, please contact info@koreasociety.org at least 24 hours prior to the scheduled visit.
The Korea Society in New York City, the Pacific Century Institute in Los Angeles, and the Maureen and Mike Mansfield Center at the University of Montana in Missoula, offer an opportunity for high school juniors and seniors to become Youth Ambassadors in the Project Bridge intercultural youth leadership program. Selected participants engage in bimonthly workshops, held both in-person and virtually over Zoom. Additionally, students participate in a 10-day study tour to the Republic of Korea where they interact with Korean students and teachers, visit cultural sites, and meet government and business leaders. The program culminates in a community presentation given by the Youth Ambassadors at The Korea Society which is open to teachers, families, friends, former alumni and the public.
On September 12th, members of The Korea Society were able to celebrate the new fall season with fellow members, partners, and friends at The Korea Society's Fall 2025 Members-Only Happy Hour. Attendees enjoyed drinks, good company, and crisp fall vibes on our beautiful outdoor terrace! Refreshments were generously provided by Asian- and Korean-owned small businesses.
Riding the Momentum: How VCs Navigate Hype and Sustainable Growth
On September 3rd, The Korea Society hosted an exclusive presentation featuring three distinguished investors – Bryan Kim (Andreessen Horowitz), Mike Kim (Third Prime), and Karen Moon (Node Innovation Ventures) – as they each shared their distinct investment philosophies and portfolio strategies. Together, their talk offered a wide range of views into today’s ever-evolving startup landscape: from AI emerging technologies, to cross-border investments, and to innovations in consumer platforms.
The conversation was moderated by Danny Crichton (Lux Capital). This program was supported by Hanwha Life.
Ed Park: An Oral History of Atlantis with Mira Jacob
An Oral History of Atlantis is the newest collection of short stories from Ed Park, the author of the Los Angeles Times Book Prize–winner and Pulitzer Prize finalist Same Bed Different Dreams. In this utterly original collection, characters question the fleetingness of youth and art, reckon with the consequences of the everyday, and find solace in the absurd, the beautiful, and the sublime. All together, these fifteen stories have much to say about the meaning—and transitory nature—of our lives. In this conversation with Mira Jacob on September 4th, presented in collaboration with Yu & Me Books, Ed Park discussed his latest book.
Step into the world of JeongGa (正歌), the refined vocal art once cherished by scholars and nobles of Joseon Dynasty.
On September 9th, The Korea Society held an evening of lyrical elegance with ALeum Lee's resonant voice, accompanied by WooSung Jung on DaeGeum (flute) and HeeJung Han on HaeGeum (string instrument). Lee also shared thoughtful reflections on the origins and evolution of GaGok, Korean lyric song cycles, offering personal and refreshing insights into the meaning of Korean traditional vocal music today.
The Unseen Resilience of North Korean Female Defectors
On September 18th, The Korea Society hosted a discussion on the unseen resilience of North Korean female defectors. Kim Seonghui and Na Min-Hee provided powerful personal testimony, describing their life and experiences in North Korea, their escape, and their new life in South Korea. Human rights advocate and expert Kwon EunKyoung joined the discussion, which was moderated by policy director Jonathan Corrado. This program was made possible by the generous support of our individual and corporate members and the Korea Foundation.
With Soju Party, food writer, chef, and co-owner of Brooklyn’s Orion Bar Irene Yoo has written the book on drinking like a Korean. She introduces the classic Korean alcohols and serves up unique cocktail recipes featuring Korean-inspired riffs and nostalgic twists, along with plenty of recipes for tasty anju (drinking foods). In addition to recipes, Yoo explores the history of Korean drinking, with illustrations explaining proper serving and drinking etiquette, drinking games, food pairings, and more. In her conversation with Christina Chaey, Irene Yoo discussed her career and the first book.
Chef, restaurateur, writer, and connoisseur of Korean fried chicken, Judy Joo has gained widespread acclaim for her vibrant approach to Korean cuisine. Now, she presents her latest collection of fresh, exciting recipes in K-Quick: Korean Food in 30 Minutes or Less. K-Quick: Korean Food in 30 Minutes or Less focuses on recipes that blend creative flair with accessibility, ensuring every mealtime is a success.
In her conversation at The Korea Society on September 18th with Juju Chang an Emmy® Award-winning co-anchor of ABC News’ “Nightline,” Judy Joo discussed her career and the latest book.
YOUTUBE SHORTS
Check out our past programs on The Korea Society's YouTube Channel. Subscribe today!
Thanks to our Media Program Associate Bradley Sheen, you can now see the best clips from our guest speakers on YouTube Shorts. Click on the most recent highlights 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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