Cultural and Sports Icons to Speak at the 16th Asian Leadership Conference

Prominent figures from the cultural and sports sectors are set to gather at the 16th Asian Leadership Conference (ALC) on May 21-22 at the Shilla Hotel in Seoul. This year's conference will feature key speakers from various fields, including classical music, art, and golf, who will discuss strategies for enhancing the global competitiveness of Korean culture.

### Sustainable Architecture for Humanity and Society

How can architecture serve as a tool for social value? Renowned Japanese architect Shigeru Ban will address this question at the ALC, tackling contemporary architectural challenges. A recipient of the Pritzker Prize in 2014, often referred to as the 'Nobel Prize of Architecture,' Ban is known for his pioneering work in disaster relief architecture and eco-friendly designs utilizing recycled materials.

Ban's lecture, titled 'The Architect's Dilemma: Between Art and Social Responsibility,' will explore the need for architects to prioritize sustainability, flexibility, and human dignity. He argues that the role of an architect should extend beyond creating aesthetically pleasing buildings; it should also involve finding solutions for refugees, disaster victims, and marginalized communities affected by urbanization.

During his talk, Ban will examine the future of sustainable architecture and how human-centered design can contribute to solving social issues. The session will be moderated by Lee Kyung-taek, director of the Kim Soo-geun Foundation, which focuses on integrating culture and art into various projects.

### Investing in Artists as National Brands

Recently, young Korean artists have gained international recognition by winning prestigious competitions. However, maintaining a stable career on the global stage post-award remains a challenge, with many quickly forgotten despite their achievements. Experts suggest that this issue stems not from individual capabilities but from a lack of corporate sponsorship and a supportive national system.

In contrast to Europe and the United States, where artists are viewed as 'national brands' and investments are made in their growth, Korea still relies heavily on individual efforts. The ALC will emphasize the need for Korean companies to view art sponsorship not merely as charity or CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) but as a strategic brand investment.

Peter Paul Kainrath, president of the International Music Competitions Federation, Tsutsumi Tsuyoshi, president of Suntory Hall in Japan, and Kim Dae-jin, president of the Korea National University of Arts, will discuss this critical issue. Kainrath, who has served as the president of the WFIMC since 2021, and Tsutsumi, the first classical musician to receive Japan's highest cultural honor, will share their insights.

### The Role of Cultural Policy and Innovation in Sports Leadership

As the world rapidly embraces new technologies and ideas, the roles of cultural institutions and national policies become increasingly vital. Andrew Perchuk, deputy director of the Getty Research Institute, and Jeong Byeong-guk, chairman of the Korea Arts Council (ARKO), will explore the value of cultural policy and the arts in the international community.

Perchuk, an expert in contemporary art, recently co-led the 'PST ART' project in Southern California. Jeong has been recognized for successfully laying the groundwork for Korea's cultural influence and soft power over his 20 years in public service. The discussion will be led by Kim Sun-jung, a prominent curator and director of the Artsonje Center.

Additionally, golf legend Park Se-ri, co-CEO of Buzz International, will hold a solo session at the ALC. Known as a pioneer in Korean golf, she made her mark by joining the LPGA in 1997 and winning the US Women's Open the following year. With a total of 39 professional wins, including 25 LPGA and 14 KLPGA titles, she was inducted into the LPGA Hall of Fame. Since retiring, Park has ventured into entrepreneurship, commentary, and broadcasting. Her session will cover her achievements as an athlete, her leadership as a coach, and her mentoring efforts for the next generation.