2007 Van Fleet Award Honoree
KIM DAE-JUNG
15TH PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA
Looking back over the more than 60 years that have passed since the end of World War II, two diplomatic achievements in East Asia stand out clearly as towering events of lasting importance. The first of these is the U.S. opening to China in 1972, and the second is the Pyongyang Summit in 2000 between President Kim Dae-jung and Chairman Kim Jong-il.
The Pyongyang Summit came as the culmination of President Kim's lifelong efforts to establish democracy in South Korea, and his determination to initiate the arduous process of forging reconciliation between North and South Korea through his Sunshine Policy.
As is often the case with truly epochal events, it has been difficult for both Koreans and Americans to place the Pyongyang Summit in its proper historical perspective. With the passage of time, however, it is becoming increasingly clear that this epochal event was the "tipping point" for all the Korean people, starting a process of North-South reconciliation that is now seen as inevitable.
The Van Fleet Award has been awarded to two former American presidents, and it is only fitting that today a former Korean president is being added to the list of its recipients. It is particularly noteworthy that this award is being made in conjunction with a commemoration of President Kim's acceptance of the 2000 Nobel Peace prize "for his work for democracy and human rights in South Korea and in East Asia in general, and for peace and reconciliation with North Korea in particular."
Therefore, in recognition of his unparalleled and innumerable lifelong contributions toward building a lasting peace on the Korean Peninsula, on behalf of The Korea Society, it is my great honor and distinct pleasure to present the Van Fleet Award to President Kim Dae-jung.
This award was presented on December 7, 2006 at A Night of Peace on the Korean Peninsula, a dinner commemorating Kim Dae-jung's receipt of the 2000 Nobel Peace Prize held at the Grand Hilton Hotel in Seoul.
2007 Van Fleet Award Honorees
HOUGHTON AND DOREEN FREEMAN
THE FREEMAN FOUNDATION
To properly convey the scope, magnitude and impact of the Freeman Foundation’s charitable contributions, The Korea Society can only seek to act as a voice for the countless scholars, students, scientists, colleges, universities and research institutions scattered all over the United States and Asia that have been beneficiaries of the great generosity of the Freeman family.
Through their deep knowledge of Asia, their energy and strong sense of discernment, Houghton and Doreen Freeman have built an extraordinary network of beneficent exchanges that have a truly global impact. Their efforts have been focused consistently on the Foundation’s basic goals for improved relations between the U.S. and Asia, which were initially articulated by Houghton’s father Mansfield Freeman: “to strengthen the bonds of friendship, to develop greater appreciation and to stimulate an exchange of ideas.”
The Korea Society has been generously supported by the Freeman Foundation since 1993. This sustained support has played an integral role in the development of our most significant programs. As we celebrate our 50th anniversary, it is entirely appropriate to thank the Freeman family for what they have done for us, as well as for what they have done for countless others seeking to strengthen international understanding between Asia and the United States.
General James A. Van Fleet, for whom this award is named, saw Korea in its darkest hour. Yet he sensed the latent potential of Korea and its people, and he envisioned what the relations between the United States and Korea could become with greater support and understanding. The Freeman family, in countless ways, has contributed magnificently to the development of U.S.–Korea relations as well as to Americans’ understanding of Asia as a whole. In doing so, they have provided all of us with an important and inspiring legacy.
For all of these contributions, I am delighted to present the James A. Van Fleet Award to Houghton and Doreen Freeman.
Photograph © 2006, Paul Rogers, Stowe, VT
2007 Van Fleet Award Honorees
THE KOREA FOUNDATION
Founded in 1991, just as Korea’s strong economy and outward-looking diplomatic presence were being noticed on the world stage, the mission of the Korea Foundation is to “promote a better understanding of Korea in the international community and to foster global friendship.” Over the last 16 years its success has been phenomenal. Through its generous and far-sighted grant-making activities, the Foundation has raised Korea’s profile in dozens of countries. In the United States, the Korea Foundation has been almost single-handedly responsible for a renaissance in Korean Studies.
The Korea Foundation is laying the groundwork for a broad, lasting awareness and appreciation of Korea by building relationships with and disbursing support to overseas universities, scholars, students, conferences and publications. In the United States alone, most of the external financial support for Korean Studies programs comes from the Korea Foundation.
Foundation grants have endowed 53 professorships in Korean Studies at 30 colleges and universities, funded the Korea-related studies of 153 graduate students and sponsored countless international conferences. It also has established nine galleries for Korean art at some of the leading museums in America as well as supported many cultural performances.
When General James A. Van Fleet, for whom this award is named, established The Korea Society 50 years ago, Korea was still a place most Americans knew little about. Today, Korea is a familiar presence in the United States and throughout the world, and growing numbers are discovering its rich culture and history. The Korea Foundation has played an integral role in bringing Korea to the world.
For all of these contributions, I invite President Yim Sung-joon to accept the James A. Van Fleet Award on behalf of the Korea Foundation. Evans J.R. Revere President The Korea Society May 15, 2007 New York City James A. Van Fleet Award Van Fleet Award 24
