한국어
Courtesy call on Rep. Cho Kyung-tae explores cooperation in nuclear energy, biotech, and rare earths; follow-up U.S. visit planned for December
On October 11, the Korean American Society of Greater Kansas City (President Moon Kyung-hwan) joined a delegation led by Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas on a visit to the National Assembly Members' Office Building in Seoul, where they paid a courtesy call on Rep. Cho Kyung-tae.
The visit was part of an exchange program aimed at expanding economic cooperation between Korea and Kansas City and further strengthening their friendship. President Moon, who leads both the Korean American Society and the Korean American Chamber of Commerce of Kansas City, served as a bridge to help turn the meeting into concrete cooperation.
Welcoming the delegation, Rep. Cho presented a plaque of appreciation in recognition of contributions to economic cooperation and friendship between Korea and Kansas City. Both sides agreed on the importance of collaboration in economic and industrial fields and committed to continuing their exchanges and exploring investment partnerships together.
The discussion focused on potential cooperation in advanced industries, including nuclear energy, biotechnology, and rare earth elements.
Nuclear energy has already produced tangible results. In April 2025, a consortium of the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI), Hyundai Engineering, and U.S.-based MPR Associates won the preliminary design contract for the University of Missouri's Next Generation Research Reactor (NextGen MURR). The project covers the design of a new 20MW (thermal) research reactor, which, once completed, is expected to be widely used for producing medical radioisotopes, cancer diagnosis and treatment research, and advanced materials research.
Building on this, cooperation with Missouri research institutions could expand into related industries such as medical biotechnology and advanced materials. Rare earth elements were also highlighted as an area worth exploring for supply chain stability. Specific investment plans for each sector will be finalized through separate discussions.
Rep. Cho said he would pursue follow-up cooperation so that the meeting leads to concrete results, adding that he plans to visit the United States in December to discuss investment support and cooperation with local officials.
Mayor Quinton Lucas also emphasized the significance of expanding exchanges with Korea and expressed hope that cooperation and friendship between the two sides will continue to grow across economic, industrial, and many other fields.
"The Korean community is a living bridge connecting Kansas City and Korea," President Moon said. "The Korean American Society and the Chamber of Commerce will continue working to serve as a channel for investment information, business partnerships, and people-to-people exchange among the two countries' governments, businesses, and research institutions."
Building on this visit, the Korean American Society of Greater Kansas City plans to continue follow-up efforts so that the local Korean community can contribute meaningfully to Korea–U.S. economic cooperation as an active player in citizen diplomacy. We appreciate the continued interest and support of our community members.