About AATK

President’s Message

Warmest greetings to all members and friends of the AATK,

It is with great joy and heartfelt appreciation that I invite you to the 30th Annual Conference and Professional Development Workshop of the American Association of Teachers of Korean (AATK), to be held in Honolulu, Hawaiʻi, from June 18 to 20, 2025. This year’s gathering carries particular meaning—not only as a space for intellectual and professional engagement, but also as a celebration of the AATK’s remarkable 30-year journey. Our conference theme, “Celebrating the 30th Anniversary of AATK: Building a Global Community for a New Era,” honors the legacy of our past while charting a visionary course for the future.

Since its founding in 1994, the AATK has evolved into a dynamic and inclusive community of scholars and educators committed to advancing Korean language education. Over the past three decades, we have witnessed transformative developments in pedagogy, curriculum design, second language acquisition, heritage language learning, digital instruction, and intercultural communication. Our organization today reflects the rich diversity and vibrancy of the learners and communities we serve.

This growth has been possible thanks to the extraordinary leadership and dedication of our ten past presidents—Ho-min Sohn, Yoo-Sang Rhee, Joe Jungno Rhee, Hye-Sook Wang, Young-mee Yu Cho, Hyo-Sang Lee, Hae-Young Kim, Sahie Kang, Joowon Suh, and Hangtae Cho—along with numerous executive board members who have guided the AATK with wisdom and commitment. Their efforts have laid a strong foundation for our continued progress.

Our 30th anniversary is an opportunity for both reflection and renewal. Honolulu, long recognized as a bridge between Asia and the Americas, provides a fitting backdrop for our celebration—offering space to reflect on the accomplishments of our field while envisioning bold, innovative futures. We will gather to honor the many individuals—leaders, members, and partners—who have shaped the AATK, and recommit ourselves to fostering global dialogue, interdisciplinary exchange, and sustainable growth in Korean language education.

We are also delighted to welcome a distinguished group of guest speakers and honored guests whose participation will elevate this milestone event. Their presence underscores the growing relevance of Korean language education in academic and professional arenas. My deepest thanks go to the Local Conference Organizing Committee and to Dr. Bumyong Choi, our Program Chair and AATK Executive Secretary, whose exceptional leadership has been instrumental in organizing this special conference. I am equally grateful to our dedicated officers—Dr. Angela Lee-Smith, Treasurer, and Dr. Sangbok Kim, Communications Officer—as well as to the entire Executive Board for their steadfast service and guidance.

We are especially thankful for the enduring support of the Korea Foundation, whose partnership over the past thirty years has been vital to the AATK’s growth. We are also deeply appreciative of the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa for graciously hosting this landmark gathering.

A heartfelt note of gratitude is due to Professor Emeritus Ho-min Sohn, president of KLEAR, whose generous and continued financial support—including a special contribution for this year’s Dinner Cruise—has greatly enriched our programs. In celebration of this anniversary, we are also profoundly thankful to Kong & Park Inc., Hawoo Publishing, and Darakwon USA for supporting the next generation of scholars through funding for graduate student publications, presentations, and travel. We extend our sincere appreciation to the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa for its generous financial support, to the University of Hawaiʻi Press for donating this year’s commemorative tote bags, and to the Late Professor Ok-Sook Park Foundation and CULTR at Georgia State University for their valued support of graduate student travel. We look forward to sustaining these valued partnerships in the years ahead.

The AATK continues to flourish through a variety of initiatives. Under the editorship of Dr. Minju Kim, Korean Language in America has expanded its scholarly reach. The Korean Honor Society continues to grow through the tireless efforts of its committee members. Our collaboration with the Korean Special Interest Group at ACTFL enhances our visibility within the broader language education community. Additionally, the AATK Colloquium Series, launched in 2020, remains a vibrant venue for year-round scholarly exchange beyond the annual conference.

As we celebrate three decades of community, scholarship, and service, I warmly invite you to be part of this meaningful event—not only as attendees, but as active contributors to the ongoing story of the AATK. Whether this is your first conference or your thirtieth, your presence, participation, and voice are vital to our shared mission. Let us gather in Honolulu to honor our past, celebrate our present, and shape a future where Korean language education continues to thrive as a global, inclusive, and transformative field.

Mahalo nui loa, and I look forward to welcoming you to Honolulu, Hawaiʻi!

With warmest regards,

Mee-Jeong Park

American Association of Teachers of Korean, President