A Discussion of David Halberstam’s The Coldest Winter
David Halberstam’s final book, The Coldest Winter, a new history of the Korean War, has been on America’s bestseller lists for months. The widespread attention being garnered by the book seemingly is at odds with the popular perception in the U.S., which often labels the conflict in Korea as the “forgotten war.” In this respect, the publication of The Coldest Winter provides an invaluable opportunity to reexamine how and why the tragic events of more than half a century ago remain relevant to the search for peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula today. Join us for a presentation and panel discussion revisiting this devastating period of Korea’s recent past and its continuing connections to contemporary American history.
The program will include a presentation by prominent Korean War scholar Bruce Cumings on how Halberstam’s work relates to our evolving understanding of the Korean War. This presentation will be followed by a discussion with Thomas McGrath, who was deployed as a soldier with the U.S. Army in Korea during the war, Yung Duk Kim, who was caught up in the war as a young civilian, and George Drake, Director of Research of the Korean War National Museum. They will share their first-hand experiences of this turbulent era in a conversation moderated by Evans J.R. Revere, the president of The Korea Society. The program will conclude with a Q&A session involving all of the participants.
Bringing the period to life, a series of vivid photographs from The Korea Society’s traveling exhibition, Living Through the Forgotten War: Portrait of Korea, will be on display during the program.
Wednesday, January 16th, 2008
How and Why We Remember the Korean War
A Discussion of David Halberstam’s The Coldest Winter
with
Bruce Cumings Professor of History, University of Chicago. Author, The Origins of the Korean War.
Thomas McGrath Partner, Simpson Thacher & Bartlett.
Yung Duk Kim Former President and CEO, Hyundai Corporation (USA). Independent management, technology and finance consultant.
George Drake Former Professor, Sociology at Western Washington University. Creator of the Korean War Children’s Memorial in Bellingham, Washington.
Evans J.R. Revere President, Korea Society.
The late David Halberstam was the author of fifteen books, including The Best and the Brightest, his reportage on the Vietnam War that won the Pulitzer Prize.
The upcoming presidential election in South Korea on December 19 could mark a critical turning point in U.S.-ROK relations and the ongoing negotiations over North Korea’s nuclear programs. At stake are potential realignments in economic, political and military relationships that will have a significant impact on all the countries of the Northeast Asian region, including China and Japan.
The outcome of this pivotal election will be analyzed in an informal discussion led by leading experts on Korea and the region, including Donald P. Gregg and Evans J.R. Revere, the chairman and president of The Korea Society; Don Zagoria, project director, Northeast Asia Projects, National Committee on American Foreign Policy; and Leon Sigal, director, Northeast Asia Cooperative Security Project, the Social Science Research Council.
Come join us for this timely event on Thursday, December 20 at 12:00 PM, just 24 hours after the election.
Thursday, December 20, 2007
24 Hours After South Korea’s Presidential Election: An Assessment
with
Donald P. Gregg Chairman, The Korea Society
Evans J.R. Revere President, The Korea Society
Don Zagoria Project Director, Northeast Asia Projects, National Committee on American Foreign Policy
Leon Sigal Director, Northeast Asia Cooperative Security Project, the Social Science Research Council
In 1993, Cullen Thomas was a young man who wanted to see the world and South Korea was one of his first stops. Convicted of smuggling hashish and sentenced to 3 ½ years in Korean prison, the world he ended up seeing—one in which the Confucian customs of Korean society take on a harsh character—wasn’t the one he expected.
Reading from his new memoir Brother One Cell: An American Coming of Age in South Korea’s Prisons (published by Viking in March 2007) and taking questions, Thomas will share the gritty reality of an American’s life in a foreign prison: its unforgettable pains and its unexpected and beautiful lessons.
Thursday, November 29, 2007
with
Cullen Thomas Author, Brother One Cell: An American Coming of Age in South Korea’s Prisons
The Application for the Eleventh Annual Sherman Family Korea Emerging Scholar Lecture Competition is now open. Deadline to application is June 22, 2026.
About the Sherman Family Korea Emerging Lecture Award Program The primary goal of this award is to encourage U.S. thought leadership on Korea among a new generation. The award is presented across disciplines to emerging thought leaders from a wide range of disciplines and backgrounds working in the U.S. Prior awardees have explored topics in the arts, architecture, industrial policy, political science and technology and have included Ph.D. candidates, junior professors (tenure and non-tenure track), researchers and professionals. Click hereto view presentations of former award winners.
About the Sherman Family
The Korea Society’s Sherman Family Korea Emerging Scholar Lecture Award was established in 2017 through the generous support of Mr. and Mrs. Philp Sherman and family. Phil Sherman served as a director on the Society’s Board from 2017 to 2024. During the 1970’s he served as a senior officer for Korean operations at Citi Bank in Seoul. His years in Korea left an indelible mark not just on Phil but on his whole family. At the 2025 Sherman Family Lecture a brief tribute to and celebration of Phil and his contributions was provided. Clickhereto view.Benefits include: *the opportunity to provide a public, in-person lecture at The Korea Society before a broad audience—the lecture is live-streamed and also recorded to allow ongoing access on the Society’s website and YouTube channel; *roundtrip travel to New York City and hotel accommodations for two-nights and incidentals *a $2,500 honorarium and plaque *a plaque *the opportunity to gain wider visibility for their work while becoming part of a group of distinguished alumni.
The Korea Society’s ‘Leadership Interview Series’ highlights the roles made by distinguished leaders from the U.S. and Korea in strengthening the multifaceted relationship between the people of Korea and the U.S. The speakers share their personal and professional experiences in the realms of business, economics, education and public policy. Leading the discussions are Ambassador Kathleen Stephens, Chair of the Board of Directors, or Tom Byrne, President and CEO.
Please join us as we seek to gain a better awareness and understanding of issues of common interest between the people of Korea and the U.S.
Catching the K-Investment Wave in the USA
Thursday, June 16, 2022 | 6 PM (EDT)|
The United States and South Korea have a well-established “gold standard” Free Trade Agreement. Now, as international economic relationships are shifting to strategic frameworks and concerns over supply-chain robustness and resiliency, Korean investment in the U.S is gaining attention and transforming the bilateral relationship into a new dynamic… Read More
Interview with CJ Group Chairman Kyung Shik Sohn
Premiere on Tuesday, April 19, 2022 | 6 PM (EDT)|
The Korea Society is pleased to invite Mr. Kyung Shik Sohn, Chairman of CJ Group, for a conversation with the Society’s President/CEO Tom Byrne. In this upcoming episode of our President’s Interview Series, Chairman Sohn… Read More
Women in Higher Education: A Discussion with Dr. Eun Mee Kim & Dr. Sian Leah Beilock
Tuesday, March 22, 2022 | 8 AM (EDT)|
Womens’ Universities have emerged as premier institutions in higher education, amplifying womens’ voices from diverse backgrounds and perspectives. In the fourth installation of our Womens’ Leadership Series, please join us at The Korea Society to hear from Dr. Eun Mee Kim, President of Ewha Womans University in Seoul, and Dr. Sian Leah Beilock, President of Barnard College in New York City…. Read More
Interview with ROK Trade Minister Yeo Han-Koo
Friday, March 18, 2022|
March 15, 2022 marks the 10-year anniversary of the US-Korea Free Trade Agreement (KORUS FTA). In celebration of this remarkable milestone, The Korea Society invites ROK Minister for Trade Yeo Han-koo for a conversation with Korea Society President Tom Byrne… Read More
Interview with LG Chem CEO Hak Cheol Shin
Premieres: Wednesday, December 8, 2021 | 6 PM ET|
Join us for a conversation between Mr. Hak Cheol Shin, Chief Executive Officer of LG Chem, and Tom Byrne, the President and CEO of The Korea Society. In this third episode of the ‘President’s Interview Series,’ Mr. Shin will discuss his remarkable career starting out from 3M Korea and serving as the Vice Chair at 3M headquarter… Read More
Talking COVID-19 Vaccine Cooperation with President John Rim
Wednesday, July 21, 2021 | 7 PM (EDT)|
Join us for a conversation between Mr. John Rim, President and CEO of Samsung Biologics, and Tom Byrne, the President and CEO of The Korea Society. In this second episode of the ‘President’s Interview Series,’ President Rim will discuss his extensive career and senior leadership roles in the biopharmaceutical industry, as well as his current role as the head of Samsung Biologics… Read More
A Conversation with Chairman Yongmaan Park
Wednesday, June 2, 2021 | 7 PM (EDT)|
In our inaugural episode of the ‘President’s Interview’ Series, we are pleased to invite Park Yongmaan, Chairman of Doosan Infracore for a conversation with The Korea Society’s President Tom Byrne. As one of the most successful and powerful business leaders in Korea and the world, Chairman Park will discuss his extensive career and leadership role as the Chairman of Doosan Infracore and former Chairman of the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI)… Read More
Women in Congress: A Conversation with U.S. Representative Young Kim
Wednesday, April 21, 2021 | 6 PM (EDT)
U.S. Representative Young Kim (CA-39) joins The Korea Society to share her journey in becoming one of the first Korean American women elected to Congress in its 230-year history. As an immigrant, small business owner, and previous California State 65th district Assemblywoman, we will explore how Congresswoman Kim pursued the American dream to become a successful Korean American leader and politician… Read More
Women in Trade: A Talk with Trade Minister Yoo Myung-hee||
Friday, February 26, 2021 | 7 PM (EST)
In the second episode of our Women’s Leadership series, we are pleased to welcome South Korean Minister for Trade Yoo Myung-hee for a conversation on her 25-year career in shaping the international trade infrastructure. As Deputy Minister for FTA Negotiations, and later Director-General for Bureau of Trade Policy at the Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Energy, Yoo Myung-hee has been at the forefront of numerous high-profile trade agreements… Read More
A Conversation with Ambassador Kathleen Stephens||
Thursday, January 28, 2021 | 6 PM (EST)
In our inaugural episode of the Korea Society’s Women in Leadership series, we are pleased to welcome Ambassador Kathleen Stephens for a conversation on her distinguished career as a world-renowned female leader. Having an extensive career in international relations, Amb. Stephens, a decorated former U.S. diplomat, will share her special and deep connections to Korea. She will also highlight her experiences in promoting the U.S-Korea relationship as a former U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Korea, Peace Corp volunteer, and current President of Korea Economic Institute and Chair of The Korea Society… Read More
March 15, 2022 marks the 10-year anniversary of the US-Korea Free Trade Agreement (KORUS FTA). In celebration of this remarkable milestone, The Korea Society invites ROK Minister for Trade Yeo Han-koo for a conversation with Korea Society President Tom Byrne.
The discussion will assess the achievements of the first decade of the KORUS FTA and the broader effects it has had on the Korea-U.S. bilateral relationship. It will also examine future prospects of the two countries’ trade relationship and the deepening of the economic partnership between the two countries, while also examining the evolution of the trade architecture in the Indo-Pacific region.
Interview with ROK Trade Minister Yeo Han-Koo
Friday, March 18, 2022
The Korea Society 350 Madison Avenue, 24th Floor New York, NY 10017
H.E. Yeo Han-koo Minister for Trade Republic of Korea
EMPLOYMENT
MINISTRY OF TRADE, INDUSTRY & ENERGY Trade Minister (August 2021 – Present)
OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT, REPUBLIC OF KOREA Secretary to the President for New Southern and Northern Policy (July 2020 – August 2021)
MINISTRY OF TRADE, INDUSTRY & ENERGY Deputy Minister for Trade Negotiations (March 2019 – July 2020) Minister Counselor, Embassy of The Republic of Korea in the USA (September 2017 – March 2019) Director General, Bureau of Trade Policy (February 2017 – September 2017) Director General, FTA Policy Bureau (April 2016 – February 2017) Chief, Office of Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) Deputy Chief/Deputy Director General, Office of TPP (August 2014 – April 2016) Director, Multilateral Trade Cooperation Division (March 2014 – August 2014) Climate Change Policy Division (February 2009 – February 2010) Free Trade Agreement Division (April 2007 – March 2008) Foreign Investment Policy Division (May 2005 – February 2006) Deputy Director, Foreign Investment Promotion Division (May 2004 – August 2005) Industrial Policy Division (July 1998 – July 2000) Small & Medium Enterprises Policy Division (December 1993 – March 1995)
WORLD BANK GROUP (March 2010 – February 2014) Sr. Investment Policy Officer, Investment Climate Department, CIC/FPD
NATIONAL ECONOMIC ADVISORY COUNCIL, PRESIDENTIAL OFFICE (February 2006 – April 2007) Director, International Economy & Industrial Policy Bureau, Secretariat
KDI SCHOOL OF PUBLIC POLICY & MANAGEMENT, KOREA (September 2005 – August 2008) Lecturer (part-time), Master of Foreign Direct Investment (MFDI) Program
KOREA & U.S. AIR FORCE COMPONENT COMMAND, KOREA (March 1995 – July 1998). Public Affairs & Personnel Officer (1stLieutenant), Mandatory Service
EDUCATION
Harvard Business School (2002-2004); Master of Business Administration Harvard Kennedy School of Government (2000-2002); Master of Public Administration Harvard Law School (2000-2001); Certificate in International Tax Program Seoul National University (1988-1992); Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration
PUBLICATION
Dante Roscini, Eric Werker, Han-koo Yeo, “Kaesong Industrial Complex (A), (B)”, Harvard Business School Case (N2- 710-022), April 2010 The World Bank, “Special Economic Zones”, 2011, pp.283-308 (CH.12 on Low-carbon Green Special Economic Zones) Han-koo Yeo, “MBA Education at Harvard Business School”, Deonan Publishing Co. February 2007 (in Korean) Han-koo Yeo, “Why did they choose mobile phones instead of shoes?”, Alma Publishing Co. October 2013 (in Korean)
HONORS AND AWARDS
International Finance Corporation Performance Award(2013), World Bank Financial and Private Sector Development Vice President Award(2012), An Achievement Award from the President of Republic of Korea(2006), An Achievement Award from the Commerce Minister(2006), Air Force Public Affairs Officer Leadership Award(1998), Decorated for the Defense Minister’s Award(1995), An Achievement Award from the Minister of Government Administration(1993)
Stephen Noerper, Senior Director for Policy, has been invited to Korea as a 2021 visiting scholar by the National Institute for Unification Education, under the banner of the Ministry of Unification. Dr. Noerper visited Seoul in October 2019 as a guest of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and as an NIU visiting scholar in 2021, he provides six lectures to diplomats, officials, graduate students and professionals on Korea’s regional relations and unification, with a focus on the Biden Administration’s foreign policy and Korea’s management of relations with China. Former visiting scholars include Robert Einhorn and Evans Revere.
Jonathan Corrado, Director for Policy, has been selected to undertake a 12-month Non-resident Kelly Fellowship at Pacific Forum. Under the guidance of the Pacific Forum team, Jonathan will write a paper about the challenges and opportunities for South Korea to enhance engagement with the Free and Open Indo Pacific initiative or “Quad,” examining the national security and economic statecraft elements that weigh into Seoul’s calculation as it determines its level of engagement. Jonathan was also selected to participate in the National Committee on American Foreign Policy (NCAFP) Emerging Leaders Program: Next Generation Korea Peninsula Specialists. Under this program, Jonathan will write a paper assessing whether U.S.-South Korea cooperation can help to build supply chain resilience, especially semiconductors, in the Indo Pacific to reduce opportunities for Chinese economic coercion.
Policy Team named Distinguished Fellows
The Korea Society 350 Madison Avenue, 24th Floor New York, NY 10017
The Committee for Human Rights in North Korea (HRNK) executive director Greg Scarlatoiu and Bush Institute senior fellow Victor Cha joined senior director Stephen Noerper for a discussion of human rights in North Korea and its placement on the Biden administration’s new policy agenda. The event marks the anniversary of the historic UN Commission of Inquiry report release. This program is made possible thanks to support from the Korea Foundation.
Human Rights and North Korea: Honoring the Anniversary of the UN Commission of Inquiry Report
with Victor Cha and Greg Scarlatoiu
Thursday, February 4, 2021 | 1 PM
The Korea Society 350 Madison Avenue, 24th Floor New York, NY 10017
Victor Cha joined the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington, D.C. in May 2009 as a senior adviser and the inaugural holder of the Korea Chair. He is professor of government and holds the D.S. Song-KF Chair in the Department of Government and the School of Foreign Service (SFS) at Georgetown University. In July 2019, he was appointed vice dean for faculty and graduate affairs in SFS. He left the White House in 2007 after serving since 2004 as director for Asian affairs at the National Security Council (NSC). At the White House, he was responsible primarily for Japan, the Korean peninsula, Australia/New Zealand, and Pacific Island nation affairs.
Greg Scarlatoiu is the Executive Director of the Committee for Human Rights in North Korea (HRNK) in Washington, D.C. He has coordinated 28 HRNK publications addressing North Korea’s human rights situation and the operation of its regime. He is a visiting professor at the Hankuk University of Foreign Studies in Seoul as well as instructor and coordinator of the Korean Peninsula and Japan class at the U.S. State Department’s Foreign Service Institute (FSI). Scarlatoiu is vice president of the executive board of the International Council on Korean Studies (ICKS). He is also a member of the advisory board for The Korea and World Politics Institute. Prior to HRNK, Scarlatoiu was with the Korea Economic Institute (KEI) in Washington, D.C.
