Dr. Sooyoung Choi is a multidisciplinary leader in policy, branding, and public affairs with over four decades of experience spanning academia, politics, technology, and international communications. She currently serves as Chair of the Jongno Foundation for Arts & Culture, Chair of the Urban Brand Research Institute, and Professor at the Graduate School of Policy Studies at Korea University. She is also President of the Korea 3D Printing Association and Visiting Research Fellow at the Soft Power Research Center of Waseda University in Japan. Dr. Choi is widely recognized for her pioneering work in city branding and strategic communications. As founder and CEO of OSI, established in 1990, and Chairperson of Grid International, she has led global branding and digital marketing projects for major Korean conglomerates including Samsung, LG, and Daewoo. Her corporate expertise extends to influencer marketing, public-private partnerships, and global outreach strategies.

In the public sector, Dr. Choi has held a number of prominent advisory roles. She served as Policy Adviser and Policy Chair for the Seoul Metropolitan Government under Mayor Lee Myung-bak, as well as External Director at the Seoul Foundation for Arts and Culture and the Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra. He was a member of the Public Advertising Council of KOBACO, and contributed to Korea’s global outreach through her role in the 2012 Yeosu Expo Bidding Committee and the promotional team for the 1996 Atlanta Olympics. Dr. Choi has also been active in Korean national politics. She ran twice as a National Assembly candidate in Seongbuk District, held senior roles within major political parties—including Spokesperson, Special Adviser on Youth and Culture, and Member Recruitment Chair—and served as a Special Adviser on Political Affairs for presidential candidates Lee Hoi-chang, Lee Myung-bak, Park Geun-hye, and Yoon Suk-yeol.

In academia and thought leadership, Dr. Choi has authored influential works including You, Me, and Us and Factors Affecting Urban Brand Marketing, and is frequently consulted on urban policy, culture, and civic innovation. Dr. Choi holds a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and International Relations from Korea University and a Ph.D. in Public Policy and Administration. Her life-long commitment to fostering innovation across sectors continues to shape Korea’s civic, cultural, and technological landscape.