2024 Program

With the generous support of the Korea Foundation, the Asia Society Policy Institute (ASPI) is pleased to present the fifth iteration of its “Building Trade Ties with Korea’s Emerging Female Leaders” program. 

The program presents the opportunity for eight female professionals from the Republic of Korea with interest and experience in economic-related fields to participate in an intensive program in the U.S., featuring workshops, briefings, and capacity-building exercises focused on trade. The program features meetings with, inter alia, senior and emerging business leaders, current and former government officials, and experienced trade negotiators.

This year’s program will include an intensive week-long program of workshops and briefings in Washington D.C. and New York City, and is tentatively set for June 22-29, 2024 (including travel days). The program will cover travel and related expenses, including round-trip economy airfare from Seoul to the U.S., travel within the U.S., lodging, local transport, and some meals during sessions. 

Eligibility

• Age: 25 - 40 years old at the start of the program

• Language Skills: Fluent in spoken and written English

• Professional Experience: Background in a trade/economic-related field with a minimum of two years of relevant work experience. Applicants may be from government agencies, private sector and business, legal profession, academia, think tanks and other economic or trade relevant backgrounds. 

• Career Path: Strong interest in continuing to pursue a career in trade/international economics. 

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Application Timeline

• Application window opens – April 17, 2024

• Deadline for Application Submissions – May 15, 2024 

• Candidates Selected and Notified – May 20, 2024

* Please note this timeline is subject to change.

Application Process and Required Materials

Applications should be sent by email to [email protected] with the subject line “[insert your full name] Korea’s Emerging Female Leaders Application.” 

Applications must include the following:

• Curriculum Vitae or Resume

• Statement of Interest: One-page explanation of why the applicant is interested in the program, what they hope to gain from participation, how they will contribute to the success of the program, and how participation aligns with their career goals.

• 1 Letter of Recommendation

To inquire about the program, please email [email protected].

Program Background and Overview

In recent years, the Republic of Korea has been at the forefront of establishing trade and economic partnerships with countries across the globe. However, the negotiators and diplomats responsible for forging these deals have long been predominantly male. With more highly educated and qualified women entering government and related private sector jobs, the lack of female mentors and role models has become a barrier to their career growth and success. This reality can have a limiting effect on their career trajectory and ability to reach positions of leadership and impacts the overall interests of the country.

In light of this, the Asia Society Policy Institute (ASPI) launched the initiative “Building Trade Ties with Korea’s Emerging Female Leaders” in 2019 in partnership with the Korea Foundation. The program presents the opportunity for female professionals from the Republic of Korea with interest and experience in economic-related fields to participate in an intensive program in the U.S. The program features meetings with senior and emerging business leaders, current and former government officials, experienced trade negotiators, and other speakers, which cover a range of topics, including:

• Understanding the U.S. economic policy making process

• Discussing current issues, such as economic security and related challenges facing the global economy and trade policy makers

• Gaining negotiating skills, including strategies and tactics, creative problem solving, and “getting to yes”

• Working with the private sector, legislative branch, and other entities through economic and trade policy consultations

• Developing skills to advance in the workplace and providing career development guidance

To learn more about past programs, view highlights of our 2019, 2021, 2022, and 2023 programs.

ASPI's success in empowering early-career Korean female trade professionals has led to the launch of similar programs for Japanese and ASEAN women. ASPI envisions that the Emerging Female Leaders program will grow with each new group and eventually transform into a wide network of working female economic and trade professionals, experts, and leaders across Asia. 

Building a Network of Emerging Female Leaders

Not only does the program provide participants with new skills and competencies to excel in their fields, but also provides access to a growing network of program alumni. As part of this network, participants can engage and network with past cohorts of female economic and trade leaders.

Past Cohorts 

The fourth Emerging Female Leaders class from the 2023 program included:

• Minkyoung Park, Manager, Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency

• You Jin Lee, Senior Researcher, Korea International Trade Association

• Soojung Park, Senior Deputy Director, Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy

• Jung Yoon Kim, Senior Deputy Director, Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy

• Hyewon Oh, Deputy Director, Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy

• Chaewon Lee, Deputy Director, Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy

• Dahye Hong, Deputy Director, Ministry of Foreign Affairs

• Na Eun Lee, Government Affairs and Public Policy Manager, Google Korea

The third Emerging Female Leaders class from the 2022 program included: 

• Ara Cho, Manager of the International Cooperation Department, Korea International Trade Association (KITA)

• Eun-Young Jeong, Economic Specialist, U.S. Embassy Seoul

• Dewjeong Lee, Deputy Director of the Americas Division, Ministry of Trade, Industry & Energy (MOTIE)

• Yuseong Lee, Deputy Director of Strategic Analysis and Coordination Division, Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA)

• Hee Eun Mun, Research Associate, Lee & Ko Global Commerce Institute

• Mikyeong Won, Deputy Director of the FTA Policy Planning Division, Ministry of Trade, Industry & Energy (MOTIE)

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Participant Testimonials

“This program has helped me realize how much I love the trade field and I was inspired by many experts, particularly female leaders, who have already achieved what I dream of.” - Hee Eun Mun, Lee & Ko

“This program was a turning point for me to pursue my career as a leader.” – Song-I Seol, KITA.

"I’ve learned how to become a better negotiator both in my professional and personal life." – Sung-Eun Ko, KITA 

"The program was a good opportunity to learn how the U.S. government works on forming trade policy and how the private sector plays an important part in this process." – Miseon Kim, POSCO 

“Learning from other women who have grappled with similar challenges – pursuing career goals while raising a family – gave me great confidence that I can also succeed.”  - Kwang-bin Lee, U.S. Embassy, Seoul 

“An all-women group in a professional setting is rare and it was uplifting getting to know a group of emerging female trade leaders.” - Ji Yeong Yoo, STEPI