Korea Tourism Organization Appoints Insook Lee as Executive Director for the Americas

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jul 8, 2026--

The Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) is pleased to announce the appointment of Insook Lee as Executive Director for the Americas, based in KTO's New York Office. With more than 30 years of experience in international tourism marketing, Lee has been with the Korea Tourism Organization since 1996 and brings extensive expertise in global destination marketing and tourism development.

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Her expertise spans regional tourism marketing across the Americas, Southeast Asia, and Oceania, as well as specialized sectors including destination branding, medical and wellness tourism, luxury and cruise tourism, and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions).

In her current role, Lee provides strategic leadership for KTO's tourism marketing across the Americas, overseeing destination promotion, market development, and regional marketing initiatives while working closely with KTO offices in Los Angeles, Toronto, and Mexico City.

Executive Director Insook Lee stated, "I am honored to lead the Korea Tourism Organization's efforts across the Americas and to build upon the strong partnerships that have contributed to Korea's growing popularity. Working closely with our industry partners, airline, and media, we look forward to inspiring more travelers to discover Korea's vibrant cities, rich cultural heritage, world-class wellness experiences, exceptional cuisine, and unique regional destinations."

Lee joined the Korea Tourism Organization in 1996 and has held leadership positions across multiple international markets. Her career includes overseas assignments in Singapore, Los Angeles, and Sydney, where she developed destination marketing strategies, tourism partnerships, and industry programs that expanded Korea's global tourism footprint.

"Korea offers an extraordinary combination of ancient traditions and modern innovation," Lee added. "Whether visitors are exploring UNESCO World Heritage sites, experiencing K-beauty and wellness, enjoying Michelin-recognized dining, or discovering vibrant regional destinations, Korea offers meaningful experiences for every traveler."

The appointment reflects KTO's continued commitment to expanding its presence in the Americas and building long-term partnerships that inspire more travelers to discover Korea.

About Korea Tourism Organization

The Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) is a public organization under the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (MCST) of the Republic of Korea. KTO serves the interests of Korea’s tourism economy by marketing the country as an all-season destination. With its rich history, dynamic culture, amazing food, and welcoming people, Korea is one of the most vibrant destinations in Asia. From ancient mountaintop temples such as Bulguksa to cutting-edge landmarks like Lotte World Tower in Seoul, Korea offers unforgettable experiences that bridge tradition and modernity.

Insook Lee

NEW YORK (AP) — Writer E. Jean Carroll can collect $5.8 million awarded to her after a jury found that President Donald Trump sexually abused and defamed her, a federal judge ruled Wednesday. Trump’s lawyers immediately appealed to stop the payment.

The president has already deposited the money in an account. The U.S. Supreme Court recently let the 2023 civil verdict stand, clearing the way for Judge Lewis A. Kaplan to release the money. The initial $5 million award has grown with interest.

The jury found Trump attacked Carroll in 1996 in the dressing room of a Manhattan department store, and defamed her after she talked publicly about it in a 2019 memoir, during his first term as president.

Trump’s attorneys said Wednesday they would continue to challenge the verdicts, and accused his political opponents of using the legal system against him. They have appealed to the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. Carroll’s lawyers did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The jury had reached its verdict — in a trial that Trump did not attend — after Carroll testified that a flirtatious and friendly chance encounter at the luxury department store turned violent. Trump repeatedly insisted that he never knew Carroll, now 82. He also accused her of trying to sell books at his expense and having political motives.

Trump is also appealing $83 million in defamation compensation granted to Carroll by a separate Manhattan jury after a January 2024 trial at which Trump briefly testified.

At that trial, Kaplan required the jury to accept the findings of the previous jury and only determine how much money, if any, Trump owed Carroll for comments he made about her as president.

Trump's lawyers complained that the judge, in setting rules for the damages trial, had barred Trump and his defense team from telling the jury that the encounter with Carroll never happened.

FILE - E. Jean Carroll arrives at Manhattan federal court, Jan. 17, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Eduardo Munoz Alvarez)