The Korean Institute at Columbus State
콜럼버스 주립대학교 한국학연구소
Inaugural Korea–Georgia Dialogue
The Korea–Georgia Dialogue is the premier signature forum hosted by Columbus State University to strengthen strategic, economic and cultural connections between the Republic of Korea and the State of Georgia. As Georgia becomes a key hub for Korean investment from companies like Hyundai and SK, this event serves as a vital statewide convener for government, industry and academic stakeholders. Through expert panels and keynotes, it will foster cross-sector collaboration and durable international partnerships, while providing exclusive access to senior government, industry, diplomatic and thought leaders who are at the forefront of strategic, economic, and cultural relations between Georgia and South Korea.
The event is anchored by the Korean Institute at Columbus State (KICS), a vibrant center for research and diplomacy that supports Georgia's growing global engagement. KICS leverages the university's strategic location near a large Korean community and U.S. Army Fort Benning's ROK Army detachment to lead workforce development and applied research efforts. By participating, stakeholders and influencers can engage directly with the expertise fueling the state's economic growth and the U.S.-Korea alliance.
Register
Attending the dialogue and on-site parking are free but require advance registration. Online registration is requested by Friday, May 15, for planning purposes.
If you cannot attend the Korea-Georgia Dialogue but would like to know about future events and activities, please subscribe to future KICS emails.
Panel Themes & Participants
Security & the Alliance
An examination of the evolving US-ROK defense partnership, peninsula deterrence and the alliance's expanding role. Our panelists include:
Dr. Daewoo Lee
Interim Department Chair & Director, Korean Institute at Columbus State
Moderator
Gen. (Ret.) Robert "Abe" Abrams
Former Commander, U.S. Forces Korea (USFK), Combined Forces Command, and UN Command
Kayla Orta
Fellow, Indo-Pacific Security Initiative, Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security,
Atlantic Council
Jenny Town
Senior Fellow, Stimson Center
Director, 38 North
This panel is available for sponsorship.
Economic Partnership & Innovation Ecosystem
A deep dive into the transformational Korean investment in Georgia, South Korean and U.S. leaders will discuss workforce development, supply chain dynamics, advanced manufacturing and opportunities for deeper bilateral economic cooperation. Our panelists include:
Jean Kim
President, Southeast U.S. Korean Chamber of Commerce
Moderator
Missy Kendrick
President & Chief Executive Officer, Choose Columbus
Additional Panelist Pending
This panel is available for sponsorship.
Korean Culture & Global Influence
An exploration of the global reach of Korean culture—from K-pop and film to beauty, cuisine and digital media—and how cultural influence strengthens people-to-people ties and public diplomacy. Our panelists include:
Eddie Nam
Co-Founder, DIVE Studios
Moderator
Jeff Benjamin
Reporter, Billboard, covering K-pop and Korean popular culture
Dr. Kisun Kim
Associate Professor, Columbus State Department of Communication
This panel is available for sponsorship.
Political Dimensions & Diplomacy
An analysis of how domestic political dynamics in Washington and Seoul shape alliance management, trade policy, diplomacy, and long-term strategic planning. Our panelists include:
State Rep. Soo Hong
Georgia House of Representatives (District 103)
Moderator
Dr. Daewoo Lee
Interim Department Chair & Director, Korean Institute at Columbus State
Ambassador (ret.) Joon Oh
Former Permanent Representative of the Republic of Korea to the United Nations
This panel is available for sponsorship.
Location & Travel Planning
All activities comprising the Korea-Georgia Dialogue will take place at Columbus State
University's Cunningham Conference Center (pictured), located at 3100 Gentian Blvd. in Columbus, Georgia, on the university's Main Campus.
VisitColumbusGA, Columbus' travel and tourism bureau, provides online resources to help you plan your travel, including:
The closest airports include the Columbus Airport (CSG), just three miles from the Columbus State campus, and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), approximately 90 minutes from the university via Interstate 85.
Information for Media
Journalists specializing in international relations, Korean culture, economic development and workforce trends are invited to cover this inaugural event. Dr. Daewoo Lee, director of the Korean Institute at Columbus State, is available for pre-event interviews.
Media contact: Michael Tullier, APR, Executive Director, Strategic Communication + Marketing, 706-507-8729 (office), mtullier@columbusstate.edu.
Thanks To Our Sponsors
As Korean investment continues to expand across advanced manufacturing, technology, defense and cultural industries, the Korean Institute at Columbus State and events like the Korea-Georgia Dialogue will provide high-impact opportunities for business, policy, security, and culture to intersect.
Support for this dialogue and KICS' year-round programming offers unparalleled visibility and direct access to senior leaders across industry, government and national security within the strategically vital U.S.-ROK partnership. Partners can cultivate high-level relationships with Korean corporate executives and policymakers while engaging directly with Columbus State's specialized workforce pipeline in robotics, cybersecurity, and international business.
Sponsorship levels include recognition during general sessions, panel discussions and, for Founding Supporters, the institute's year-round programming. Sponsorship of the Korea-Georgia Dialogue also includes participation in a pre-event VIP reception the evening of May 19. Contact KICS Director Dr. Daewoo Lee to discuss these opportunities.
For More Information
For additional information, subscribe to updates about the Korean-Georgia Dialogue and news from the Korean Institute at Columbus State, or contact:

Dr. Daewoo Lee
Director of the Korean Institute at Columbus State and
Interim Department Chair & Associate Professor,
School of Policy, Justice & Public Safety.