Dear colleagues and friends,

The global political landscape today is swept by waves of distrust and hostility. Strategic competition between the United States and China, the war between Russia and Ukraine, and the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East present us with tragic realities that were once unimaginable. Cooperation and coexistence are losing ground, while many nations engage in tactical alliances and hedging strategies in hopes of securing their security.

Yet even in such a divided world, our economies remain deeply intertwined. The idea of “decoupling” from adversarial nations proves increasingly unrealistic in a world already bound by a single, interdependent economic system. While some may resort to threats and pressure on the surface, economic exchange continues behind the scenes. In such an environment, public diplomacy may appear powerless—mere rhetoric in the face of realpolitik.

However, it is precisely this tense and confrontational atmosphere that underscores the importance of public diplomacy as a subtle but powerful instrument of peace.

Over the past two decades, South Korea has emerged as a recognized and respected nation on the global stage, bolstered by the worldwide rise of the Korean Wave (Hallyu). Sustained economic growth, technological innovation, and social development have all contributed to the country’s increasing appeal. If we regard national attractiveness as the ultimate outcome of public diplomacy, then Korea’s public diplomacy has achieved world-class success.

Nevertheless, challenges remain. To live up to the status of a top-tier nation, we must continue to cultivate internal substance and maturity. This includes fostering a strong sense of global citizenship and pursuing a path of responsible leadership both at home and abroad.

The Korean Association for Public Diplomacy (KAPD) is firmly committed to advancing this mission through dedicated academic research, discourse, and collaboration.

Thank you for your continued support.

Sincerely,
Shindong Kim
President
Korean Association for Public Diplomacy (KAPD)