Letter from the Executive Director
Dear Readers, Another grant year is coming to its conclusion, and once more I am able to present to you all a publication of The Fulbright Korea Infusion. Volume 11.2 will be exceptionally memorable for me when I recall its stories, its art, and its message. As KAEC Executive Director, I have been able to witness the marvelous growth of Infusion since its induction in 2008, which in turn makes me appreciate the even more extraordinary growth of Fulbright Korea throughout this past decade. I am proud to have been part of the journeys that are recorded in each volume of this magazine and I extend my immense gratitude to current, past, and future grantees for living the mission of Fulbright. As you will soon read, my time as Executive Director is nearing its end, but that does not imply my time with Fulbright Korea will also expire. This organization will forever remain with me during retirement…in mind, heart, and soul. It is exciting to think that the next time I open Infusion, I will be truly a part of its audience for the first time, cheering and clapping alongside the Fulbright Korea community. These past 40 years have been nothing short of remarkable for me. As Fulbright Korea continues to evolve, so does South Korea and its relationship with the United States. Specifically, this year has marked a very crucial time in ROK-US history, which is evident in the pages that follow. It is my hope that a stronger appreciation of cultural exchange and international cooperation is achieved by every single reader once they close Volume 11.2, because it is what will take our world toward the peaceful future we all wish for. And so, please enjoy the newest issue of Infusion and also take a moment to acknowledge all of those who created it. From the editorial staff, to the authors, to the artists, they have all worked relentlessly and truthfully to produce an inspirational body of art. You should all be extremely proud. Thank you, Jai Ok Shim Executive Director of Fulbright Korea
Letter from the Minister-Counselor
Dear Readers, Welcome to the spring issue of the 11th volume of Infusion. We have seen extraordinary developments this year, which could be the harbinger of real change for the Korean Peninsula: An incredible Winter Olympics and Paralympics hosted in Pyeongchang, two meetings between the leaders of North and South Korea in less than a month, and a possible summit between President Trump and Kim Jong Un. Throughout all of this, the U.S.-ROK Alliance continues steadfast—in large part because of the people-to-people connections fostered through programs such as Fulbright. Change is never easy, but it is constant, all around us. Fulbright Korea itself is preparing for change; Executive Director Shim Jai Ok will retire at the end of 2018 after four decades of connecting the peoples of the United States and Republic of Korea. All of us who have benefited from the Fulbright program owe a debt to Mrs. Shim, whose tireless efforts have created positive change in the lives of thousands of people and strengthened U.S.-ROK ties one person at a time. These people-to-people ties, exemplified and magnified by the creativity brought to life in this magazine, is what keeps the United States and Korea “closer than sticky rice” even in the midst of change. With confidence and optimism, Aleisha Woodward Minister-Counselor for Public Affairs, Embassy of the United States of America & Chair of the KAEC
Announcing Volume 9.2
The Infusion staff is happy to announce the publication of our newest issue, Volume 9, Issue 2 (Published July 2016). Below you can find the web edition of the issue. To access individual pieces from this issue, use the links on the left-hand side of the webpage that are listed under “Current Volume: 9.2”. Enjoy.