Columbus State University News

May 20 Korea-Georgia Dialogue to showcase global experts on ROK politics, economy and culture

April 20, 2026

A graphic with the Columbus State University Korean Institute at Columbus State logo to the left of flags representing the Republic of Korea and the U.S. state of Georgia

The Korean Institute at Columbus State University (KICS) has announced its upcoming Korea-Georgia Dialogue, scheduled for Wednesday, May 20, at the Cunningham Conference Center on its Main Campus. This inaugural event aims to strengthen the strategic, economic and cultural ties between the Republic of Korea and the state of Georgia.

The dialogue presents Georgia as the main U.S. center for Korean manufacturing investment—while KICS strengthens its leadership in global education and economic development in the Southeast U.S.

“The Korea-Georgia Dialogue comes at a time of unprecedented cooperation between the United States and the Republic of Korea,” said Dr. Daewoo Lee, KICS’ director and interim chair of Columbus State’s School of Policy, Justice & Public Safety. “The Korean Institute at Columbus State has proven itself as a catalyst for career development, economic growth and cultural diplomacy to prepare our students and region for the opportunities and challenges of our interconnected world.”

The inaugural Korea-Georgia Dialogue brings together government, industry and academic leaders for in-depth discussions on the complex aspects of the U.S.-Korea alliance. The full-day event is free to attend, but registration must be completed by Friday, May 15.

Four expert panels will cover topics that include:

  • Security & the Alliance: Gen. (Ret.) Robert “Abe” Abrams, former commander of U.S. Forces Korea, along with experts from the Atlantic Council and 38 North, will examine evolving defense partnerships and deterrence on the Korean Peninsula.
  • Economic Partnership & Innovation: Leaders, including Jean Kim of the Southeast U.S. Korean Chamber of Commerce and Missy Kendrick of Choose Columbus, will discuss workforce development, supply chain dynamics, advanced manufacturing, and related opportunities for stronger bilateral economic cooperation. 
  • Korean Culture & Global Influence: Examining the “Hallyu” (Korean Wave) phenomenon—from K-pop and film to beauty, cuisine, and digital media—this panel features Eddie Nam of DIVE Studios and Billboard K-pop reporter Jeff Benjamin.
  • Political Dimensions & Diplomacy: Featuring South Korean Ambassador to the United Nations (ret.) Joon Oh, Consul General of the Republic of Korea in Atlanta Jooh-ho Lee, and Georgia State Rep. Soo Hong, the session will explore how domestic policies in Washington and Seoul shape bilateral trade and long-term strategies.

Headshot of Daewoo LeeLee (pictured) noted that the event’s location in Columbus, Georgia, is strategically significant. As Georgia’s second-largest city, Columbus also hosts the state’s second-largest Korean community and has a notable military tie through the Republic of Korea (ROK) Army detachment at U.S. Army Fort Benning.

Similarly, Columbus State University’s investment in forming academic, cultural and economic partnerships through its Korean Institute is also a strategic move. Launched in early 2025, KICS aims to harness local strengths into a global platform by focusing on workforce development, cultural programs and applied research to support the state’s rapidly evolving economic landscape.

Through alliances with local leaders and Choose Columbus, Columbus State played a key role in attracting JS Link America, a South Korean manufacturer of rare-earth magnets. The company is opening its first U.S. facility in Columbus, which will create 520 jobs and involve a $223 million economic investment in the local community. In 2025, Columbus State President Stuart Rayfield led delegations of university and city representatives to South Korea in both June and October, meeting with government officials and business leaders. At the Jinju International Forum on Entrepreneurship in October, she engaged in discussions with entrepreneurs and policymakers.

Among students, KICS and its affiliated faculty have broadened how the university engages its students in global studies and the community in international cultural exchanges. This includes the first of a series of CSU study abroad programs to South Korea, sponsored by Hyundai Motor Group, and hosting South Korean musicians and student exchanges on the university’s Columbus-based campuses.

Dialogue sponsorship opportunities range from panel-level to full-event support. For registration links and more details about the Korea-Georgia Dialogue, as well as additional information about the Korean Institute at Columbus State, visit the institute’s website.

Media contact: Michael Tullier, APR