{
  "id": 7955300,
  "title": "Korea Foundation honors US Peace Corps vets for decades of grassroots diplomacy",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/17/korea-foundation-honors-us-peace-corps-vets-for-decades-of-grassroots",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-17T05:22:04.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Korea Times",
    "slug": "the-korea-times-koreatimes",
    "url": "https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/southkorea/20260917/korea-foundation-honors-us-peace-corps-vets-for-decades-of-grassroots-diplomacy"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Korea Foundation recently honored the decade-long efforts of Friends of Korea (FoK) in promoting cultural understanding between the United States and South Korea. On Wednesday, the prestigious organization bestowed the 10th Korea Foundation Award upon FoK at The Plaza Hotel in Seoul, recognizing the nonprofit's tireless work in nurturing ties between the two nations. Founded in 2002 by former U.S. Peace Corps volunteers who served in Korea during the 1960s and 1980s, FoK has spent more than two decades deepening mutual understanding and goodwill. The Peace Corps initially dispatched thousands of young Americans to teach English and aid rural development in Korea, leaving a lasting impact. FoK has meticulously documented the early missions of these volunteers, while also promoting Korean culture in the U.S. through public education, publishing, and community outreach. At the award ceremony, FoK Chairman Gerard Krzic and board member Jenna Gibson, representing the organization, accepted the top honor on behalf of FoK. In a gesture of appreciation, FoK presented KF President Song Gui-do with a commemorative plaque titled \"Sixty Years of Friendship,\" symbolizing the enduring legacy of the Peace Corps in Korea.",
  "summary": "The Korea Foundation (KF) presented the 10th Korea Foundation Award to Friends of Korea (FoK), Wednesday, at The Plaza Hotel in Seoul, honoring the nonprofit for its decades of grassroots diplomacy and dedication to fostering ties between Korea and the United States. Founded in 2002 by former U.S. Peace Corps volunteers who served in Korea from the 1960s through the 1980s, FoK has spent over two…",
  "key_points": [
    "Friends of Korea wins 10th Korea Foundation Award for cultural diplomacy",
    "Founded by former Peace Corps volunteers in 2002",
    "Commemorates 60 years of friendship with Korea"
  ],
  "editors_take": "This recognition cements Friends of Korea's status as a leading grassroots diplomatic force between the US and South Korea, validating the enduring impact of US Peace Corps volunteers' work.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "The Korea Times",
        "title": "Korea Foundation honors US Peace Corps vets for decades of grassroots diplomacy",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/17/korea-foundation-honors-us-peace-corps-vets-for-decades-of-grassroots-7960255",
        "published": "2026-09-17T05:52:04.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}