Last year, I left the Future Leaders’ Conference (FLC) reflecting on a thought that stayed with me: With experience comes influence. And with influence comes responsibility.
This year, I had the honor of returning as an FLC committee member and considering how to put that responsibility into practice.
Hosted by the Overseas Koreans Agency (재외동포청), a Korean government agency, the Future Leaders’ Conference (세계한인차세대대회) brings together overseas Korean professionals and community leaders from around the world. Held in Incheon, this year’s gathering created space to share local initiatives, develop policy recommendations, and strengthen connections across countries and generations. 🌏
I presented a regional community-building case and participated in the Society & Culture group. We explored ways to strengthen connections with Korea, support Korean language and cultural education, and learn from experiences in different countries. The program also included intergenerational dialogue, a visit to Korea’s National Assembly, and the World Korean Day ceremony, where I had the opportunity to see the President of South Korea.
These conversations felt personal. I left Korea at 15, attended high school in the Philippines, and moved to the United States for college. Even after all these years, my relationship with home, identity, and belonging continues to evolve. Living between worlds has shaped how I listen, connect, and support others. Some experiences I once found difficult have become strengths I now draw on in my work and relationships. Being among fellow overseas Koreans reminded me that we each find our own way to build a life, carry our identities, and stay connected to our roots.
I also kept coming back to two words: humility and ego. As I get older and gain more knowledge and experience, I feel that paying attention to both becomes even more important. Experience can give me confidence, but I hope it also helps me recognize how much I still have to learn. I want to stay flexible in my thinking and generous in how I respond to others—to welcome feedback, listen when someone sees things differently, and notice when my ego gets in the way.
🍋 When life gives us lemons, we can make lemonade together—and use what we’ve learned to build bridges for others. 🌉
The last photo was captured by a photographer, and it makes me laugh a little 😂
✨2026 재외동포청 세계한인주간 다큐멘터리, 다시 이어지는 우리✨ https://lnkd.in/g7QHCe6A
27개국 차세대동포 리더 59명, 송도에 모였다...‘세계한인차세대대회(FLC)’ 개막 https://lnkd.in/gJDY6Ccz
#세계한인차세대대회 #재외동포청 #KoreanDiaspora #Belonging #CommunityBuilding #Leadership #DrLemon
