On December 1st, 2025 the Sam Nunn School of International Affairs, in partnership with Korea Economic Institute of America and the Republic of Korea's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, were thrilled to welcome Ambassador Kang Kyung-wha and a panel of experts to discuss the importance of the growing partnership between the Republic of Korea and the State of Georgia.

Why Georgia Matters for South Korea: Georgia is home to some of the largest Korean investments in the United States, including Hyundai Motor Group’s $7.6 billion Metaplant–the biggest economic development project in state history–and significant supply-chain growth across the state.

South Korea is now one of Georgia’s top foreign partners in manufacturing, job creation, and workforce development. Korean companies are strengthening the state’s capabilities in advanced production, technology, clean energy, and training programs that support U.S. competitiveness and economic security.

This public program brought together senior policymakers, industry experts, and academic leaders to examine the intersection of economic security, innovation, technology competition, and the United States’ evolving partnership with South Korea. Ambassador Kyung-wha Kang delivered opening remarks, followed by an academic session featuring experts on semiconductors, artificial intelligence, supply-chain resilience, and the future of U.S.-Korea technological cooperation. The conversation came at a pivotal moment as both countries invest heavily in advanced technologies and seek to strengthen secure, resilient supply chains.

Participants:

Ambassador Kang Kyung-wha

Panel:

Lee Sung-hwan, Director-General for Diplomatic Strategy and Planning, Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Lee Hyo-young, Associate Professor, Korean National Diplomatic Academy

Ryan Fedasiuk, Fellow, American Enterprise Institute

Minjai Cho, Vice President of Absolics Business Innovation Division, SKC

Jae Kim, President, Southeast U.S. Korean Chamber of Commerce

Moderated by: Jenny Jun, Assistant Professor, Sam Nunn School of International Affairs

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