Making the Journey. This September, CKA embraced journeys that connect us across generations, geographies, and experiences. From Seoul to Philadelphia to Virginia, we came together to reflect on our heritage, deepen partnerships, and prepare for the future of Korean American leadership.
The 2025 CKA NetKAL Korea Trip marked our first delegation to Korea in more than eight years, bringing members and alumni together for dialogue, cultural immersion, and community building ahead of NetKAL’s 20th anniversary and CKA’s 15th Anniversary.
Looking ahead, Korean American culinary leadership takes center stage at October’s Taste of Asia in New York City, where CKA Envision Gala & Summit honorees Laura Kim and Simon Kim are among the event’s co-chairs. Alongside fellow honoree David Chung, these leaders are forging paths that inspire our community and create opportunities for future journeys,
Read on to learn more about the journeys of CKA and our members.
Life Lessons Unplugged: JoAnne “JO” Bass Shares Her Story
Join us on October 21 from 4:00 – 5:00 PM PT (7:00 – 8:00 PM ET) for Life Lessons Unplugged, a virtual conversation with CKA Member JoAnne “JO” Bass, the first woman and Asian American to hold the highest enlisted level of leadership in the U.S. Air Force.
In this special webinar, JoAnne will share her journey breaking barriers, leading with courage, and the life lessons she’s learned along the way. Moderated by CKA Member Susan Go, Senior Director of Solution Engineering, the conversation will offer insights into leadership, resilience, and personal growth.
Don’t miss this chance to be inspired, learn from experience, and gain insights you can apply in your own life and career.
Photo Credit: Newsweek
Jinhee Ahn Kim Featured in Newsweek for Serial Entrepreneurship Journey
CKA Member Jinhee Ahn Kim was recently profiled in Newsweek for her remarkable career spanning consulting, fashion, law, education technology, esports, and now energy cybersecurity as CEO of Atropos.
The feature highlights her belief that “life isn’t just this straight ladder” but rather overlapping circles, encouraging others that career pivots and reinvention are possible at any age. Jinhee also shared insights on breaking into insular industries, working with trusted partners, and her commitment to responsible AI deployment in the energy sector.
John Lee Facilitates Son Heung-min’s LAFC Introductory Event
John Lee was personally selected by LAFC to lead and represent the Korean American community at a groundbreaking press event featuring global soccer superstar Son Heung-min. From planning and coordinating to hosting, moderating, and translating, John played a central role in executing one of the team’s major events in club history. The event brought together media, fans, and LAFC leadership for an unforgettable experience, highlighting Son’s new connection with the club and showcasing John’s expertise in leading high-profile, cross-cultural sports engagements.
Jennifer Lee’s OBRA Architects Opens CONNE><CHEON Pavilion in Seoul
Jennifer Lee, AIA LEED AP, cofounder of OBRA Architects, opened the CONNE><CHEON Pavilion in downtown Seoul as part of the city’s 20th anniversary celebration of the Cheonggye Stream Restoration. Presented by the Seoul Metropolitan Government as the centerpiece of the 2025 Cheonggyecheon Public Art Project, the site-specific installation transforms Cheonggye Plaza into an open-air gallery and gathering space, inviting public participation through its dual-faced “open theater” design.
Jo Bass joins Leading Authorities as Exclusive Speaker
Jo Bass, the 19th Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force and Founder of The Bass Group LLC, recently joined Leading Authorities, Inc. as an exclusive speaker. Drawing from her 31-year career and historic role as the first woman to serve as the highest enlisted leader in U.S. military history, she now equips organizations with insights on leadership, culture transformation, and strategic change. Her experience navigating complex challenges and driving results at scale continue to serve companies and communities across industries.
Hosung Park Joins Sony Interactive Entertainment as Senior Director of Program & Portfolio Management
Hosung Park recently joined Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE) as Senior Director of Program & Portfolio Management, where he leads strategic initiatives to improve execution excellence across PlayStation’s global development portfolio.In his new role, Hosung is responsible for driving program and portfolio management processes that enhance visibility, alignment, and decision-making across hardware, software, and services. He partners with cross-functional leaders in engineering, product, operations, and finance to deliver high-impact business outcomes and strengthen a One-Team culture across global teams.
Lisa Yang Speaks on The Future of DEI in The Legal Profession
Lisa Yang spoke on the topic of the future of DEI in the legal profession at the annual meeting of the National Association of Minority and Women Owned Law Firms. The discussion topics included how to best navigate various areas of a minority-owned law firm’s existence, survival, and continuing success, including: managing clients (and client relationships) who are leaning away from DEI, maintaining diversity and equity within the firm; and the Importance of championing independence in law firm management principles.
Soo Kim Launches ‘수김의 LUCID렌즈’ – Strategic Insights for Curious Minds
Soo Kim has launched a Korean-language YouTube channel, 수김의 LUCID렌즈 (Periphery). The channel features short, engaging videos that offer perspectives on leadership, strategy, and current events. CKA members are invited to explore the channel and see the world through a new lens.
David Lee Discusses WEBTOON and Disney’s New Digital Comics Platform on CNBC
WEBTOON Entertainment COO & CFO David J. Lee appeared on CNBC’s Power Lunch to discuss WEBTOON and Disney’s broadened relationship, including plans to build an all-new digital comics platform which will, for the first time ever, bring together more than 35,000 comics across Disney’s brands in one single location. As part of the deal, Disney will acquire a 2% equity stake in WEBTOON.
Jason Moon Appointed to Washington State Wildlife Diversity Advisory Council and Elected to Global Korean Politicians Forum
Jason Moon was appointed to the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Wildlife Diversity Advisory Council for a three-year term, where he will help shape conservation efforts that reflect both community and ecological diversity. He was also elected as a board member of the Global Korean Politicians Forum, representing the U.S. alongside Irene Shim.
Steve Park and Little Lights Celebrate Opening of Jubilee Center in Anacostia
Steve Park, Founder & Executive Director of Little Lights, marked the organization’s 30th anniversary with the opening of the new Jubilee Center in Washington, DC’s Anacostia neighborhood. Park, who founded Little Lights in 1995 after being moved by the deep needs he witnessed in the community, has spent three decades building programs that offer hope and opportunity to children and families living in public housing. The new 6,000-square-foot center, housed in a former church building, will provide academic support, mentoring, and critical resources in one of the city’s most underserved areas. The ribbon-cutting ceremony on September 27 not only celebrated this milestone expansion but also honored Park’s lifelong commitment to addressing poverty and inequality in DC.
Susan Park Serves as Parent Association President at Boston Trinity Academy
Susan Park serves as the Parent Association President at Boston Trinity Academy, where she helps foster community among families and supports the school’s mission through leadership and engagement.
Reconnecting in Seoul at the 2025 CKA NetKAL Korea Trip
The 2025 CKA NetKAL Korea Trip was held September 4–7 in Seoul, marking the first CKA NetKAL delegation to Korea in more than eight years and timed ahead of NetKAL’s 20th anniversary next year. The gathering brought together 25 core delegates and over 50 alumni, members, and supporters for high-level policy and business dialogue, cultural immersion, and community building.
Under the theme Paradox and Partnership, the trip explored Korea’s contrasts—prosperity and poverty, globalization and heritage, innovation and tradition—while fostering dialogue with leaders across sectors. Highlights included fireside chats with Ambassador Sung Kim of Hyundai Motor Group, award-winning Chef Edward Lee, Lucia Cho of Hwayo Co., and other distinguished speakers; a policy exchange with former ROK Foreign Minister Jin Park; service projects preparing more than 200 meals for seniors; and cultural moments like SparkLabs’ AI Demo Day and FRIEZE Seoul.
This journey was a decisive moment of reflection, connection, and possibility. It reminded us that our dual perspectives are not only valuable but essential to strengthening U.S.–Korea ties and shaping the next era of Korean American leadership.
We’re looking ahead to NetKAL’s 20th anniversary in 2026, and we hope you’ll be a part of it.
Photo Credit: Apex for Youth
Taste of Asia Showcases Korean American Culinary Leadership
On October 9, New York City will host Taste of Asia in Madison Square Park, a one-of-a-kind culinary celebration showcasing more than 40 of the city’s top restaurants. The evening will highlight the richness of Asian cuisine and its power to bring communities together, with proceeds benefiting Apex for Youth and Madison Square Park Conservancy. Featured restaurants include COTE Korean Steakhouse, Jua, Jungsik, Kochi NYC, and Mokbar—underscoring the influence of Korean American chefs on New York’s culinary landscape.
Among the event’s co-chairs are two of CKA’s 2025 Envision Gala honorees: Laura Kim, Creative Director at Oscar de la Renta and Monse, and Simon Kim, Founder & CEO of Gracious Hospitality Management.
Simon is also celebrating the opening of COTE Vegas, the first West Coast location of his award-winning Korean steakhouse, on October 4 at The Venetian in Las Vegas.
Together, these honorees exemplify how Korean American leaders are shaping culture while uplifting their communities.
CKA leadership was active at home and abroad this September, strengthening connections across our community and building toward the future.
The month began in Korea, where CKA President Abraham Kim and Managing Director Linda Butcher joined Board Chair Angela Killoren, Board Member Esther Song, Board Member Randy Sim for the 2025 CKA NetKAL Korea Trip. Led by Angela and Esther, and timed ahead of NetKAL’s 20th anniversary in 2026, the trip brought together 25 core delegates and more than 50 alumni, members, and supporters for an immersive week of culture, dialogue, and relationship-building. The program deepened ties and reaffirmed our shared commitment to advancing Korean American leadership.
Later, in Philadelphia, Abe and Community Engagement Manager Alpin Hong attended the inaugural National Conference on Education, Policy, and Action for Korean Americans, co-hosted by the Korean American Institute and the Philip Jaisohn Memorial Foundation. The three-day gathering convened civic leaders, elected officials, and policy experts to address issues ranging from education and healthcare to civic engagement and U.S.–Korea relations. At the conference, Abe underscored CKA’s mission of empowering leaders for greater impact, while he and Alpin participated in discussions on strengthening the Korean American community and preserving the legacy of pioneers like Philip Jaisohn for future generations.
Closing out the month, the CKA team gathered in Virginia for the annual Staff Retreat. This time together provides an opportunity to reflect, reconnect, and prepare for the exciting slate of events ahead, including pre-Envision gatherings and NetKAL programs.