Conference Application Form

Soft power is the ability to influence others with attraction, culture, and values, rather than military or economic might and persuasion. Cultural diplomacy is a form of soft power, and may be defined as the deliberate and strategic exchange of ideas, values, traditions, and other cultural elements with the aim of fostering mutual understanding, strengthening relationships, advancing socio-cultural cooperation, and promoting national or international interests. It may be conducted by governmental bodies, private entities, or civil society organisations, each contributing to the broader objective of building trust and dialogue across cultural divides. This roundtable will specifically look at cultural diplomacy in the form of art, media, and popular culture.

Both the United States and South Korea are strong examples of nations that actively benefit on the global stage from the proliferation of their culture, their art, and their media. Recent examples of popular cultural diplomacy from South Korea include films such as K-Pop Demon Hunters and Parasite, K-Pop music such as Blackpink and BTS, and the overall Hallyu wave. The United States has long used cultural diplomacy as a method of soft power proliferation across the globe. Delegates in the Cultural Diplomacy, Art, Media, and Soft Power roundtable will look at how art and media increase understanding and interest in nations, and specifically how cultural diplomacy has benefited the Korean-American relationship.

In this era of economic transformation defined by evolving trade agreements, this roundtable delves into the critical dynamics of business relationships among interdependent nations. For instance, the longstanding economic partnership between the U.S. and Korea—previously consolidated in KORUS—was recently tackled as the U.S. adopts a more guarded approach to trade. Similar trends signal shifting supply chains, intensifying technological rivalry, and policy realignments; hence, participants in this roundtable will focus on the broader repercussions of global trade and economic cooperation in today’s ever-changing globalization landscape. 

Does economic interdependence compromise strategic autonomy, and what does this tension mean for businesses? In conversations on U.S.-ROK relations, we explore the rise of emerging industries and shifting strategies for multinational corporations as they navigate uncertainty. By unraveling these transformations, our roundtable discussions work in tandem with our programming to foster a deeper understanding of how both nations confront policy challenges in an increasingly complex global economy.

Energy is the lifeline of a modern economy, shaping not only economic prosperity but also national security, environment sustainability, and public health. This roundtable will explore how energy policy governs the production, distribution, and consumption of energy resources. As both nations navigate the challenges of energy transition, their collaboration, or lack thereof, will play a pivotal role in determining regional and global outcomes.

Delegates in this roundtable are invited to examine how the Korea–U.S. relationship can be strengthened through deeper cooperation in energy and nuclear policy. Discussions may explore themes such as energy security, climate change mitigation, technological innovation, and the ethical implications of nuclear power. By considering these issues through economic, political, and environmental lenses, participants will identify opportunities for joint leadership in building a sustainable and secure energy future.

As artificial intelligence (AI) transforms how societies innovate, govern, and connect, the Korea–U.S. alliance faces a moment of redefinition. Beyond trade and defense, technology now shapes the very language of trust between two nations—linking innovation to shared responsibility. From Silicon Valley’s startup labs in San Francisco to policy dialogues in Washington D.C. and the cross-cultural creativity of New Orleans, delegates in this roundtable will explore how AI cooperation can bridge innovation and integrity at every level: economic, ethical, and human. Through scenario-driven discussions and on-site exchanges, participants will engage directly with the ecosystems shaping global technology—debating how Korea and the U.S. can co-create frameworks for responsible innovation, secure and fair data use, and democratic digital governance in an age defined by generative AI. Together, we will ask not only what technology can do, but how it can serve people—and how Korea and the United States can build that future, side by side.