KASC 17: What Complexity Taught Us
How do you prepare 20 strangers from two countries to tackle some of the most complex diplomatic issues in the world—together?
You bring them across three cities, ask them to listen deeply, think critically, and lead with empathy. That’s what the 17th Korea-America Student Conference (KASC) set out to do.
This summer, 10 Korean and 10 American delegates came together for three transformative weeks across New York City, Washington, D.C., and Seoul. United by the theme “Embracing Complexity: Navigating Intersections in Global Diplomacy for a Shared Tomorrow,” we explored the difficult questions shaping international relations and learned how to work across cultural and political differences to imagine shared futures.
Building Understanding, One Conversation at a Time
KASC 17 wasn’t a typical classroom experience. From formal sessions with policy experts to late-night conversations between delegates, every moment of the program was an opportunity to explore nuance, challenge assumptions, and grow as leaders.
The five-member student Executive Committee curated an agenda that emphasized academic rigor, cultural immersion, and hands-on learning. Delegates heard from organizations such as the UN Development Programme, American Chamber of Commerce, The Korea Society, and The Asia Group, and participated in site visits, workshops, and simulations. Every city offered new perspectives—and reminded us that diplomacy happens just as much over dinner as it does in a briefing room.
Roundtables: Where Big Ideas Take Shape
Each delegate joined a Roundtable—a small group focused on a key topic in diplomacy. These groups explored issues ranging from international relations and law to trade, green technology, and cultural diplomacy. Over the course of the conference, they conducted research, debated ideas, and prepared presentations for the Final Forum in Seoul.
Held at the American Diplomacy House, the Final Forum brought together guests and alumni to hear what each group had discovered. The research was thoughtful, timely, and rooted in the lived experiences and questions that delegates had explored together across the program. It wasn’t just a capstone—it was a chance to share a collective vision for the future.
Expanding the Conversation: KASC x JASC
This year, we took a bold step forward in cross-cultural collaboration with a first-ever joint program between KASC and the Japan-America Student Conference (JASC). Building on connections formed during the U.S.-Japan-Korea Trilateral Forum, student leaders from both conferences organized a collaborative session at Seoul National University.
Together, KASC and JASC delegates explored the shared challenges facing the region and modeled the kind of trilateral dialogue that’s increasingly critical on the world stage. It was a moment of connection that underscored how student leadership can help move diplomacy forward.
Looking Ahead
KASC 17 was built by students, for students—and the impact extended far beyond the formal program. Delegates left with stronger cross-cultural communication skills, greater confidence, and a deeper commitment to collaborative leadership.
The experience wasn’t always easy, but that was the point. Embracing complexity means staying in the conversation even when things get uncomfortable. It means staying curious, staying connected, and staying committed to building bridges—within ourselves and between our countries.
With Gratitude
KASC 17 would not have been possible without the generosity of our partners. We are especially grateful to Korea Foundation USA, The Korea Society, Korea Economic Institute of America, The Asia Group, and the universities and individuals who supported scholarships and in-kind contributions.
Thank you for believing in student leadership. And thank you to the KASC 17 delegates—for your openness, your insights, and your dedication to a shared tomorrow.
Interested in joining the next Korea-America Student Conference? Click here to learn more and apply.
