Kang, Kyung-wha | Korea's Place in an Uncertain World: Challenges and Opportunities

[Please note: This event has been changed from in-person to virtual only.]

Kim Koo Forum 20th Anniversary Event

Her Excellency Kang, Kyung-wha
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Korea to
the United States of America

Her Excellency Kang, Kyung-wha was appointed Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Korea to the United States of America by President Lee, Jae Myung in October, 2025.

Prior to her appointment, Ambassador Kang served as Minister of Foreign Affairs from 2017-2021 under President Moon, Jae-in. Between April, 2024 and September, 2025 she served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Asia Society in New York.

During her varied and distinguished career in public service, Ambassador Kang served as Secretary for International Relations in the Office of the Speaker of the Korean National Assembly and as Senior Advisor and Principal Speechwriter to the Foreign Minister and Principal Interpreter to the President of Korea.

She was also Director-General for International Organizations at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade of the Republic of Korea. At the United Nations, she was Deputy High Commissioner at the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, Deputy Emergency Relief Coordinator and Assistant Secretary-General at the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, Chief of the Transition Team for the 9th United Nations Secretary-General-elect and later his Senior Advisor on Policy.

Earlier in her career, Ambassador Kang worked for the English Section of Radio Korea International of the Korean Broadcasting System (KBS), served as Assistant Professor at Cleveland State University in Cleveland, Ohio and was active in several women’s
organizations in Korea. She was affiliated with Ewha Women’s University as Distinguished Professor Emeritus (Sept. 2022 - Feb. 2023) and is Honorary Professor at the Institute for Global Engagement and Empowerment at Yonsei University since September, 2023.

Ambassador Kang has a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science and International Studies from Yonsei University, and both a Master’s Degree and Doctorate in International/Intercultural Communication from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst.

She is married with three children.

Chaired by Nicholas Harkness, Modern Korean Economy and Society Professor of Anthropology; Director, Korea Institute, Harvard University

Abstract:
This lecture examines Korea’s evolving position amid geopolitical uncertainties, rapid technological transformation, and weakening multilateral institutions. Drawing on perspectives shaped both outside and within government, it considers how Korea has adapted to these shifts through pragmatic diplomacy and strategic investment in its economic and technological capabilities, while also underscoring the enduring importance of the ROK–U.S. alliance.

With particular attention to Korea’s 2025 APEC chairmanship, the talk discusses the Gyeongju Declaration, the APEC AI Initiative, and the APEC Collaborative Framework for Demographic Changes, illustrating Korea’s role in shaping APEC’s agenda and outcomes this year. It also reviews Korea’s approach to major power competition and developments on the Korean Peninsula.

The lecture concludes by examining the global rise of Korea’s Cultural and Creative Industries as an increasingly significant source of soft power and economic potential.

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To attend this online event, please register here.

Generously supported by the Kim Koo Foundation