September 8, 2008
Dr. Chung Woo-Taik, Governor of Chungcheongbuk-do Province in South Korea, draws on his experience as the former Minister of Maritime Affairs and discusses what he sees as a growing sense of nationalism in South Korea manifest through such international debates as the legal jurisdiction over the islands of Dokdo and Leodo. Gov. Chung’s assessment includes reasons why Korean nationalism actually serves to strengthen U.S.-Korean ties.
Prior to taking office in 2006, Governor Chung served as the Chairman of the Hong-Gok Science and Culture Foundation from 2004-2006. From 1996 t0 2004, Chung served in the Korean National Assembly in various capacities including Chairman of the Standing Committee of APPCED, Minister of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, Standing Chairman of the Korean Council for Reconciliation and Cooperation, and the Joint Chairman of the Special Committee for Patriots/Veterans of the National Assembly. In 1991, Chung was also the Head of the Law Affairs Division for the Ministry of Economic Planning.
Governor Chung holds a Ph.D. in Economics from the University of Hawaii, M.P.A. from Seoul National University, and an LL.B. from Sung-Kyun-Kwan University in Seoul, South Korea.
Min Jin Lee’s first novel Free Food for Millionaires has been compared to 19th century Victorian classics, such as Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, but it takes place in the present and tackles difficult topics such as love, betrayal, class and race. The U.S.-Korea Institute at SAIS and the Korean American Coalition Washington DC Area Chapter are pleased to sponsor an evening featuring Min Jin Lee and Asian-American Literature. Yoonmee Chang, Professor of English at George Mason University and specialist in Asian American literature and culture introduced Mrs. Lee, who spoke about her writing, read an excerpt from her book and answered questions from the audience. 