How We Select This Year's Power K-Women

Revealed at the 2023 Women Leaders Forum

Asia Economy first selected and announced the 'Power K-Women' at the Women's Leaders Forum held in October last year. Power K-Women refers to Korean or Korean-descendant female leaders who, both domestically and internationally, have transcended boundaries and limitations such as physical disabilities, poverty, migration, and war, fighting against these challenges to create new universal values.

Asia Economy created a list of Power K-Women candidates through investigations by reporters and the research team, as well as recommendations from an advisory panel, and shortlisted individuals who met four criteria: innovation, creativity, pioneering spirit, and inclusiveness. The focus was less on how successful they were and more on how much the world has become more valuable because of them, and whether their story inspires others to become leaders who exert positive influence. This year, while the main framework remains unchanged, greater emphasis is placed on diversity.

The advisory panel was also strengthened. Former Vice Minister of Gender Equality and Family Kim Kyung-sun, MKYU CEO Kim Mi-kyung, National Assembly member Kim Mi-ae, Unico Search Executive Director Moon Sun-kyung, Yonsei Cancer Center Professor Sung Jin-sil, KT Division Head Shin Soo-jung, Cheongso Research Institute CEO Yeon Hyun-joo, and National Assembly member Jang Hye-young (names in alphabetical order) demonstrate discerning perspectives in selecting new female leadership.

At last year’s forum, the challenges and achievements of Power K-Women were widely publicized. Just as K-pop and K-drama have become sources of comfort and joy to many people around the world beyond Korea, the stories of Power K-Women are believed to become life wisdom and hope for many women facing various hardships worldwide.