SEOUL, South Korea — During a comprehensive mission across the Republic of Korea (ROK) this month, a team from the Daniel K. Inouye Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies (DKI APCSS) hosted an energetic roundtable discussion and fellowship luncheon with senior representatives from the ROK Alumni Association. DKI APCSS Director Suzy Vares-Lum moderated the event.

Held at the Dragon Hill Lodge in Seoul, the gathering brought together nine distinguished individuals, including a former ambassador, military flag officers, information technology executives, and directors of security think tanks and non-governmental organizations. Their achievements represent the diverse experience of the 320-member ROK APCSS alumni network.

John Gasner, chief of the DKI APCSS alumni division, organized the roundtable to invigorate relations between the Center and the Korean alumni base.

“The purpose of the ROK Alumni Roundtable was to strengthen U.S.-ROK relations while bolstering the Korean APCSS alumni association,” Gasner said.

“Additionally, we sought to gather insights into important Korean security issues and determine how DKI APCSS might help resolve them,” Gasner added. “We also gathered great suggestions for potential workshops to improve security in the Northeast Asia region and successfully strengthened the alumni network within Korea as many broadened their professional and personal connections.”

Later that day, the alumni association gathered for a social event at the home of the U.S. Embassy defense attaché, Col. Jackie Hearne, a former DKI APCSS military professor. Approximately 50 alumni representing South Korea, the United States and the Philippines attended the event, which highlighted the Center’s enduring human network.

The event featured a tribute to Ambassador Kim, who announced his retirement after 19 years of service as president of the ROK APCSS Alumni Association. Center leadership and alumni expressed gratitude for his nearly two decades of leadership.

Alumni also recognized Gasner, who announced his retirement early next year, honoring his dedication to alumni worldwide.