Since its inception in the late 1940s, the Fulbright Program has been an integral part of U.S. foreign relations. Even in our networked digital world where Korea leads the way on 5G, there is no substitute for personal interaction, what 20th-century journalist Edward R. Murrow called “the last three feet” of communication.
It is individuals like each of you, not data streams, not AI, who ultimately build the connections that in turn create lasting international partnerships. I am proud to know that the legacy Fulbright program participants are creating now will be the source of even closer ties between the United States and Republic of Korea. As Fulbright celebrates its 70th Anniversary, it becomes increasingly clear that our most important resource is all of you.
We have said so in this space before, but I would be remiss not to express the Board’s thanks to Mrs. Shim Jai Ok for her extended service to Korea-U.S. relations at the Korean-American Educational Commission (KAEC). She sets a high bar for us to meet in Fulbright. Fortunately, we believe we have found someone who can build on that legacy in Professor Kwon Byung-ok, who will be the next Executive Director of the KAEC starting later this summer. Dr. Kwon’s extensive experience in academic and business fields will help shape and implement an array of Fulbright programs in line with our vision to promote mutual understanding between our two nations through cultural exchange. I am truly excited to see what new developments are in store for the future of Fulbright in Korea.
Sincerely,
Mitchell Moss
Minister-Counselor for Public Diplomacy
Embassy of the United States of America
Chairman, Korean-American Educational Commission
Mitchell Moss leads the Public Diplomacy section in Embassy Seoul in planning and executing its strategic communications and outreach efforts.