"The Status of Korean Architecture on the Global Stage"... President Jae Rok Kim Awarded AIA Presidential Medal

Simultaneous Appointment of Korea Institute of Registered Architects President as AIA Honorary Member
Recognized for Contributions to Korea-US Architectural Exchange, Youth Networks, and Support for Underprivileged Regions
"Korean Architectural Identity to Expand Globally"
Promotion of the 2025 Incheon Asian Architects Congress

Jae Rok Kim, president of the Korea Institute of Registered Architects, has been awarded the highest honor, the Presidential Medal, by the American Institute of Architects (AIA), and has been officially appointed as an honorary member of the AIA. It is unusual for a figure from the Korean architectural community to receive both of these prestigious honors from the AIA simultaneously.

Jae Rok Kim, president of the Korea Institute of Registered Architects (right), is taking a commemorative photo with Evelyn Lee, president of the American Institute of Architects (AIA). Korea Institute of Registered Architects.

According to the Korea Institute of Registered Architects on June 11, President Kim received the medal from AIA President Evelyn Lee at the AIA annual conference held in Boston, United States, on June 5 (local time). The Presidential Medal is awarded by the AIA to individuals who have promoted cooperation between foreign architectural professionals and organizations. It symbolizes contributions to international architectural exchange.

President Kim has been actively engaged in expanding architectural and cultural exchanges between Korea and the United States, supporting architecture in underprivileged regions, and building networks for young architects. In particular, he was highly recognized for establishing practical international partnerships based on cooperation with the AIA.

President Kim expressed his gratitude, stating, "Through solidarity with the global architectural community, I will further expand the identity and capabilities of Korean architecture on the world stage."

The Korean delegation also attended this Boston conference, focusing on promoting the excellence of Korean architectural culture, including actively publicizing the '2025 Incheon Asian Architects Congress' to be held in Incheon in September.