Park Gi-tae, head of the Cyber Diplomacy Organization VANK, received the Koreans of Distinction Award on January 17, 2026 (local time), at a ceremony marking the 123rd anniversary of Korean immigration to the United States, held in San Francisco.
The award is jointly presented by the Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in San Francisco, headed by Consul General Lim Jung-taek, and the San Francisco & Bay Area Korean Association, chaired by Kim Han-il, with more than 80 Korean organizations across Northern California participating. It honors individuals who have contributed to both the Korean American community and U.S. society while enhancing the reputation of the Republic of Korea.
Park was selected as the recipient in the nonprofit and civic organization category. In its citation, the organizing committee stated that he was recognized for “outstanding achievements and dedication that have contributed not only to the Korean community but also to American society as a whole, elevating Korea’s national standing and strengthening ties between Korea and the United States.”
Since founding VANK in 1999, Park has led the organization for more than 25 years, playing a leading role in ensuring the accurate representation of Korean history and culture in digital spaces around the world. As a pioneer of digital diplomats and AI diplomats, he has pursued a vision of building a “Global Korea Network” that connects 50 million Koreans, 7.5 million overseas Koreans, and 200 million global Hallyu fans, while working to enhance Korea’s international profile and national brand.
The award ceremony held in San Francisco carries particular historical significance. The city is where early Korean immigrants, including figures such as Dosan Ahn Chang-ho and Lee Dae-wi, laid the foundations of the independence movement in their efforts to restore Korea’s sovereignty. Against this backdrop, the award is seen as official recognition by the local community of the value and legitimacy of Korea’s private-sector diplomatic activities.
In his acceptance speech, Park said, “I receive this honor on behalf of VANK’s digital diplomats, who have worked quietly for more than 25 years to promote Korea, as well as the 7.5 million overseas Koreans worldwide.” He added, “Just as the seeds planted by our ancestors 123 years ago in an unfamiliar land have grown into a central force in American society, VANK will become a new bridge of connection in the AI era—linking 50 million Koreans, 200 million global Hallyu fans, and overseas Koreans.”
He continued, saying that VANK aims to help make Korea “a hub of Asia, a gateway to Northeast Asia, and a ‘country of friends’ that shares dreams and friendship with people around the world.”
Park also emphasized that in the AI-led era of global transformation, VANK will continue its mission as a “digital pioneer” by training one million AI diplomats by 2030 to spread Korea’s history and culture accurately across the world. He added that the organization will actively expand global campaigns and AI diplomacy initiatives in close cooperation with Korean American communities, so that Korea’s values can become shared universal values for global citizens beyond the United States.
Meanwhile, VANK plans to use this award as an opportunity to further strengthen its network with Korean organizations in the Americas and to pursue a wide range of international cooperation projects. These initiatives will focus on safeguarding Korea’s historical and cultural identity, responding to the emerging global sovereign AI environment, and contributing to world peace.