Mason Korea hosts U.S. Chargé d’Affaires for fireside chat

George Mason University Korea recently welcomed Ambassador Joseph Yun, Chargé d'Affaires ad interim at the United States Mission in the Republic of Korea, for an exclusive fireside chat at the Incheon Global Campus Small Theater.  

Moderated by Soyoung Kwon, associate dean of external affairs and professor of global affairs, the event drew more than 300 attendees. The dialogue with Ambassador Yun covered a wide range of topics, including U.S.-Korea relations and the role of global universities in international diplomacy.  

The program opened with welcome remarks from Mason Korea Dean Joshua Park. "This fireside chat has been a significant opportunity to enhance understanding of U.S.–Korea diplomatic relations, North Korea policy, conflict resolution, and peacebuilding," said Park. "Mason Korea will continue to serve as a key hub for public diplomacy between the U.S. and Korea, striving to equip our diverse international student body with cross-cultural experiences, adaptability, cultural comprehension, and global citizenship."  

Distinguished guests included Wonsok Yun, commissioner of the Incheon Free Economic Zone Authority; Byung-geun Park, CEO of the Incheon Global Campus Foundation; Arthur H. Lee, president of the State University of New York, Korea; Gregory Hill, chief administrative officer of the University of Utah Asia Campus; Nam-sik Lee, president of JEI University; and Woong-hee Kim, vice president for external affairs at Inha University. 

The event concluded with a VIP reception in honor of Ambassador Yun’s visit, joined by a special guest—Incheon Mayor Jeongbok Yoo. 

"Global universities can function as public diplomacy platforms connecting Korea and the U.S. through adaptability, cultural comprehension, and global citizenship," said Kwon. She also emphasized Mason Korea’s commitment to expanding networks through dialogue and communication and contributing to the broader welfare of Korea.