The South Korea–U.S. Alliance: Democracy, Economics, and the Challenges of China and North Korea

In partnership with the World Affairs Council of Greater Houston and the Korean Economic Institute

Schedule

Wednesday, May 8, 2024
6 p.m. Drinks Reception and Networking
7 p.m. Panel Discussion
7:45 p.m. Audience Q&A

In the nearly 80 years since World War II ended, the Republic of Korea (South Korea) and the U.S. have endured the Korean War, the Cold War, and North Korea's weapons development — challenges that have resulted in one of the most important military, political, and economic alliances in modern history.

A stellar example of democracy, economic development, and cultural influence for Asia and the world, South Korea has become a champion for civil rights, fair elections, and the rule of law despite the threat and proximity of authoritarian regimes in China and North Korea. Despite this rapid growth, reliable economic development, and strong relationship with the U.S., certain challenges remain, especially as China continues to offer support to North Korea.

Join Asia Society Texas and the World Affairs Council of Greater Houston for a discussion among representatives from the Embassy of the Republic of Korea, the U.S. Department of State, and the Korean Economic Institute on the importance of the U.S.–South Korea alliance, connections between the two countries, and the future of the relationships amid challenges posed by China and North Korea.

About the Speakers

Noah Shaw is a desk officer in the State Department’s DPRK Unit of the office of Korean and Mongolian Affairs (EAP/KM-DPRK). His portfolio covers political-military issues related to the DPRK. Prior to his work on DPRK affairs, Noah served from 2019 through 2023 in the State Department’s Office of Taiwan Coordination (EAP/TC), covering policy issues related to cross-Strait relations and Taiwan’s external relations. Prior to joining the State Department, Noah worked in Beijing, China at the Confederation of British Industry and APCO Worldwide. He is a graduate of the University of Chicago and received his master’s degree in Asian Studies from Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service of International Studies. He speaks Chinese.

Troy Stangarone is Senior Director and Fellow at the Korea Economic Institute (KEI). He oversees KEI’s trade and economic related initiatives, as well as the Institute’s relations with Capitol Hill and the Washington, D.C., trade community. As part of his broader portfolio he serves as the editor for KEI’s flagship publication, Korea’s Economy, and oversees KEI’s blog, The Peninsula.

In addition to his work at KEI, Stangarone is a member of the International Council of Korean Studies Board and the Korea-America Student Conference’s National Advisory Committee. He is a columnist for the Korea Times and a regular contributor to The Diplomat. He was also a 2012–2013 Council on Foreign Relations International Affairs Fellow in South Korea, sponsored by the Asian Institute for Policy Studies. He holds a MSc. in International Relations from the London School of Economics and Political Science and a B.A. in Political Science and Economics from the University of Memphis.

Sung Hyun Nam began his assignment as First Secretary of the Embassy of the Republic of Korea (ROK) in Washington, D.C. in August, 2023. His portfolio within the Embassy covers ROK-U.S economic issues. Prior to his assignment in Washington, D.C., Sung Hyun served as Deputy Chief of Mission at the ROK Embassy in Accra, Republic of Ghana, and Deputy Director for Disarmament and Nonproliferation at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) in Seoul. Sung Hyun received his bachelor’s degree in business administration from the Seoul National University and his executive master’s degree in public administration from the Hertie School.

About the Moderator

Randy Sim is the President/Founder of Satsun Corporation, a commercial real estate management and development company in Houston, Texas. Sim serves as the Board Chair for the Airline Improvement District and the Board Chair of the Korean American Society of Houston that annually hosts the Korean Festival at Discovery Green. He is also a Board Member and Chairs the Governance and Nominations Committee of Asia Society Texas Center and an Appointed Board Member of Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone Number One and St George Place Redevelopment Authority. Sim is also a Board Member for the Council of Korean Americans where he serves as Chair of the Governance and Nominations Committee.

Previously, he was the Board Chair for the American Leadership Forum where he was a Senior Fellow of Class 30 and Board Member of the Houston Community College Foundation. Sim attended the University of Texas in Austin. He is a CCIM candidate, a member of Leadership Houston’s class XXVIII, and a fellow of NetKAL Class V.

Asia Society hosts today's leading voices, providing commentary on events in news, society, and culture. Opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect Asia Society views.

Business and Policy programs at Asia Society Texas are presented by Bank of America, Muffet Blake, and ExxonMobil. Major support comes from Nancy C. Allen, Chinhui Juhn and Eddie Allen, The Brown Foundation, Inc., and Houston Endowment Inc. Generous funding provided by bp America, Inc, Anne and Albert Chao, ConocoPhillips, Mitsubishi Corporation (Americas), Regions Bank, and Stephanie and Frank Tsuru. Additional support is provided by the Friends of Asia Society, a dedicated group of individuals and organizations committed to bringing the best in public programming.

Business & Policy Presenting Sponsors

Program Partners

About APAH Month at Asia Society Texas

Beginning in 2021, Asia Society Texas has celebrated Asian Pacific American Heritage Month with the Houston community and beyond through a curated calendar of events for 31 ways to celebrate over the 31 days of May. Spotlighting the traditions, talents, and contributions of Asians and Asian Americans, the calendar highlights the month's key Asia Society programming, providing a platform to showcase local artists, performers, educators, and leaders who contribute to the vibrant, multicultural tapestry of Houston while also featuring staff recommendations for our favorite music, books, movies, and more by Asian and Asian American creatives.

At Asia Society Texas, APAH Month is an opportunity to celebrate and honor Asians and Asian Americans and to uplift their stories to a broader audience as part of our goal to inspire our larger community to better understand one another through culture, conversation, and connection. For information about sponsoring APAH Month and other projects like this one, please contact Saleena Jafry at [email protected] or 713.496.9939.

Presenting Sponsor of APAH Month at Asia Society Texas

Sponsors of APAH Month
Comcast
Womble Bond Dickinson (US) LLP

Media Sponsor

APAH Month 2024 Calendar

Digital Calendar Interactive/Printable PDF

Past APAH Month Calendars

2023: Highlights | Details
2022: Highlights | Details
2021: Details

About Asia Society Texas

Asia Society Texas believes in the strength and beauty of diverse perspectives and people. As an educational institution, we advance cultural exchange by celebrating the vibrant diversity of Asia, inspiring empathy, and fostering a better understanding of our interconnected world. Spanning the fields of arts, business, culture, education, and policy, our programming is rooted in the educational and cultural development of our community — trusting in the power of art, dialogue, and ideas to combat bias and build a more inclusive society.