Since its founding in 2008 as the first academic association in Korea dedicated to multicultural education, our association has grown as a scholarly community that has helped define the academic value and direction of multicultural education amid Korea’s transformation into a multicultural society, while maintaining close communication with educational practice in the field. The association, as it stands today, rests firmly on the dedication of our former presidents, senior scholars, and all of our members who have advanced multicultural education through their work in their respective places.

Our international conference offers an integrated academic forum where researchers and educators from diverse fields come together to discuss the present and future of multicultural education. Over the years, this conference has expanded the scope of multicultural education beyond a single educational topic, positioning it as an area of civic education that pays close attention to the lives and rights of people from diverse backgrounds and reflects on the structures of discrimination and inequality. Through these efforts, our association has contributed to establishing multicultural education as a key academic field concerned with fairness and human dignity in society.

Today, we find ourselves in the midst of a period of transition marked by the rapid expansion of social diversity. Although our environment is changing quickly, the essential values of multicultural education, namely human dignity, mutual respect, and equitable educational opportunities, have become even more important. In response to these changes, the Korean Association for Multicultural Education seeks to further strengthen its role as a scholarly community that connects international academic discussions with educational practice in Korea.

During my term, I will work to establish a stable system centered on our international conference through which research achievements can be accumulated, shared, and disseminated. In particular, I will strive to support the academic growth of emerging scholars while continuing to encourage the participation of practicing teachers in scholarly exchange. In doing so, I hope to help build a strong foundation for the next generation of researchers in multicultural education and to ensure that research outcomes continue to reach classrooms, schools, and local communities.

Going forward, the Korean Association for Multicultural Education will remain committed to its essential role as a scholarly community that bridges research and practice while seeking together the direction of education needed for multicultural Korean society. I sincerely ask for your continued interest and participation.