Heemin Yang
Heemin is a Master of Science in Foreign Service candidate from the Republic of Korea concentrating in Global Business, Finance, and Society. He grew up in Cairo, Athens, Ankara, Tel Aviv, Istanbul, and Seoul. He speaks Korean, English, and Mandarin Chinese.
Heemin’s principle academic and professional interest is in Northeast Asia and North Korea in particular. Prior to starting the MSFS program, he served in the Republic of Korea Marine Corps where he participated and facilitated large-scale ROK-US combined exercises. Following his military service, he led a rescue team as a field manager of an international NGO, helping North Korean defectors reach freedom in what is known as the modern-day underground railroad. Heemin is interested in the intersection of finance and crisis resolution. His focus on global business and finance reflects his goal of tackling potential instability that might arise in North Korea and the region at large using financial tools.
"MSFS’s dual emphasis on both academics and practice was a huge pull factor for me because I see the value in both. I want to not only learn at an institute of the highest caliber but also be able to translate knowledge into meaningful impact in the real world."