KOREA FOUNDATION

New Year’s Greetings from the KF President KIM Gheewhan

Happy New Year to all KF Newsletter readers!

I wish peace and happiness to each and every one of our readers in the Year of the Rabbit.

We are striving to overcome the COVID-19 pandemic after a long, drawn-out battle over the past three years, and we have now vigorously resumed our activities. As we carefully return to our previous routines, we have begun to hold in-person events and make overseas trips, so in essence, 2022 was a year of recovery and revival.

The KF underwent many changes last year, which included meticulously developing an enthusiastic agenda of global outreach, and launching full-fledged operations at the Korea Foundation USA in Washington, D.C. By opening the YouTube channel 7707, and building interactive digital centers within the KF Global Center and the ASEAN Culture House, the KF has set the groundwork for major efforts in digital public diplomacy. I truly consider it a blessing that the resumption of our in-person programs and projects has allowed us to once again meet our international partners. Having taken office as president in September, I feel heavy responsibility to instill a vision of hope and promote a brighter future, especially amid mounting uncertainty in the global economy and greater geopolitical instability.

The KF is preparing to take new and practical strides in 2023 based on mutual trust and insightful understanding of the international community. Our programs aim to highlight Korea’s emergence as a ‘global pivotal state,’ as well as its commitment to leading in the promotion of universal values and peaceful resolution of international issues. Not only at its office in Toronto, Canada, but also in major world metropolises like New York, London, and Dubai, the KF will continue striving to enhance friendships with the international community while expanding awareness of Korean culture among the public. To that end, many more offices are in the works. At home, the KF will stress enhancement of the international competency of local governments and expansion of partnerships with corporations.

Just as gentle spring rains produce the dew drops that nurture budding flowers, we fully anticipate that the Year of the Rabbit will confer on the Korea Foundation, our friends, our partners, and of course, our readers, the vitality we also need to flourish. Once again, I would like to wish all of our readers the best of luck in 2023. With the adversity of COVID-19 mostly behind us, let us welcome the new year with renewed vigor and growth.

Happy New Year!

KFPresident KIM GheewhanNew Year’s GreetingsYear of the Rabbit