Join us for the next installment of our “Local Leadership in a Global Context” series, as we delve into a discussion with the Governor of Jeollanamdo Kim Yung-rok, moderated by Tom Byrne, President & CEO of The Korea Society.
Governor Kim and Tom Byrne explore the intertwining of history with contemporary globalization, especially as it pertains to the U.S.-ROK Alliance. Here, they highlight the global leap of Jeollanamdo in various facets of everyday life, including politics, food, and culture, while also giving us a closer look at how the relationship between Jeollanamdo and the United States has evolved over the years.
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Advancing the U.S.-ROK Alliance and the Global Rise of Jeollanamdo
Friday, October 25, 2024 | 10:30 AM (EDT)
The Korea Society
350 Madison Avenue, 24th Floor
New York, NY 10017
ABOUT THE SPEAKER:
Kim Yung-rok was inaugurated as the 39th Governor of Jeollanamdo on July 1, 2022, marking his second consecutive term in office. With over four decades of public service experience, Governor Kim has dedicated his career to advancing the prosperity and sustainability of Jeollanamdo, focusing on green energy, smart agriculture, and balanced regional development. His leadership is characterized by a vision to transform Jeollanamdo into a global hub for future industries, particularly in renewable energy and sustainable farming.
Governor Kim’s path to leadership is grounded in his extensive governmental experience. Before his current role, he served as the Minister of Agriculture, Food, and Rural Affairs from 2017 to 2018, where he was instrumental in modernizing South Korea’s agricultural policies. His work focused on enhancing food security and rural development, while also driving agricultural innovation to strengthen the country’s competitiveness on the global stage.
In the National Assembly, where he served two terms as a representative, Governor Kim played a pivotal role in shaping policies related to agriculture and rural communities. His tenure was marked by legislative efforts aimed at promoting regional autonomy and economic development, with a particular emphasis on supporting farmers and addressing the challenges of rural depopulation.
As Governor, Kim Yung-rok has overseen numerous transformative projects for Jeollanamdo. One of his most significant initiatives is the province’s emergence as a leader in offshore wind energy and green hydrogen production. Under his leadership, Jeollanamdo is developing a massive offshore wind farm, which is set to be one of the largest in the world, and is creating an ecosystem for green hydrogen that will power future industries. These initiatives align with Governor Kim’s broader vision of positioning Jeollanamdo at the forefront of South Korea’s carbon-neutral future.
Born in 1955 in Wando, Jeollanamdo, Kim Yung-rok’s academic credentials include a Master’s in Public Administration from the Maxwell School of Syracuse University and a Bachelor’s in Public Administration from Konkuk University. His early career in public service saw him hold various key positions, including Vice Governor of Jeollanamdo, where he was instrumental in the province’s economic and administrative modernization.
Governor Kim’s leadership has been widely recognized. He is a four-time recipient of the Excellence in National Assembly Audit Award and has been honored multiple times for his public service and governance contributions. His publications, including On My Knees (2011) and The Ocean Built Me (2008), reflect on his journey and the values that drive his public service.