Three U.S. Lawmakers Recognize KF’s Contributions to Strengthening Korea–U.S. Ties
U.S. Sen. Andy Kim, U.S. Rep. Young Kim, and California State Sen. Steven S. Choi commend the KF for its support of the Peace Corps Korea Revisit Program.
KF presents the Tenth Korea Foundation Award to Friends of Korea (FoK) on Sept. 16; FoK presents KF with “Sixty Years of Friendship” plaque.
ROK National Assembly Foreign Affairs and Unification Committee Chair Song Seogjun and U.S. Ambassador Michelle Steel Send Video Messages, While Former ROK Foreign Minister Yoon Young-kwan Delivers Congratulatory Remarks in Person
(SEOUL, September 17, 2026)— On September 16, the Korea Foundation (KF; President Guido Song) held the Tenth Korea Foundation Award Ceremony at THE PLAZA Seoul, presenting the Korea Foundation Award* to Friends of Korea (FoK**), a nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening friendship, understanding, and cooperation between the United States and the Republic of Korea.
The ceremony began with welcoming remarks by KF President Guido Song. Song Seogjun, Chairperson of the Foreign Affairs and Unification Committee of the ROK National Assembly, and Michelle Steel, U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Korea, provided video messages congratulating FoK on receiving the award. Yoon Young-kwan, former ROK Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, delivered congratulatory remarks in person. FoK President Gerard Krzic delivered acceptance remarks.
The ceremony was particularly meaningful as FoK delivered special recognition messages from U.S. lawmakers and presented it to the KF.
U.S. Senator Andy Kim (D-NJ) presented a Certificate of Special Recognition for the KF’s efforts to help former Peace Corps Korea Volunteers to revisit where they have served, renewing longstanding friendships and celebrate the remarkable transformation of modern Korea.
U.S. Representative Young Kim (R-CA) presented the KF with a Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition, noting the KF’s continued support for Volunteers’ visits programs. Previously, on August 20, she entered a statement into the Congressional Record recognizing the KF’s efforts.
California State Senator Steven S. Choi (R) will likewise introduce a California Senate Resolution recognizing the KF for supporting Peace Corps Koreas’ revisits since 2008, preserving the legacy of Peace Corps service in Korea and helping carry the values of Korea–U.S. legacy to future generations. The resolution also highlights Choi’s personal connection to the Peace Corps: from 1968 to 1969, he served as a language instructor to teach Peace Corps, preparing Americans to service and engagement with the people of Korea. At the award ceremony, Choi also expressed his appreciation to the KF in a video message.
The ceremony concluded by FoK presenting the KF with a plaque of appreciation titled “Sixty Years of Friendship”, highlighting the significance of six decades of Korea–U.S. ties. The organization honored the KF’s efforts to support their return visits.
*Korea Foundation Award
Established in 2008, the Korea Foundation Award honors individuals and organizations in Korea and abroad that have contributed to raising awareness of Korea in the international community and promoting mutual understanding between Korea and the world. This year marks the 10th presentation of the award.
**Friends of Korea
FoK is a nonprofit organization established in 2002 by former U.S. Peace Corps Volunteers who served in Korea. Through educational programs, publications, and cultural events, the organization has promoted greater understanding of Korean culture and Korea–U.S. relations, sharing its members’ experiences in Korea with American audiences. It has also worked to preserve and pass on the history and memory of Peace Corps service in Korea by building an archive of materials from the 1960s through the 1980s.
Attachment: 3 Photos
Photo 1 Caption. (From left) Guido Song, President of the Korea Foundation (KF); Jenna Gibson, Board Member of Friends of Korea (FoK); and Gerard Krzic, President of FoK, recipient of the Korea Foundation Award.
Photo 2 Caption. (Congressional and legislative recognitions, from left) “California Senate Resolution” presented by California State Senator Steven Choi; “Congressional Record” by U.S. Representative Young Kim; “Certificate of Special Recognition” by U.S. Senator Andy Kim; and “Certificate of Special Recognition” by U.S. Representative Young Kim. (People, from left) Gerard Krzic, President of FoK; Guido Song, President of the KF; and James Mayer, Vice President of FoK.
Photo 3 Caption. U.S. Peace Corps Volunteers who attended the 10th Korea Foundation Award Ceremony, with KF President Guido Song (center, front row).
