We are pleased to invite you to the 2024 KASWEA-KIHASA Joint Seminar hosted by the Korean American Social Work Educators Association (KASWEA) and the Korea Institute for Health and Social Affairs (KIHASA) to be held in Sejong, Korea on July 3, 2024.

Following our international Korean scholars' seminar held on July 20, 2023, we have been operating the Overseas Korean Scholars Research Cooperation Committee to enhance research and collaboration between KIHASA and international Korean scholars. This seminar aims to promote academic exchange between KIHASA and KASWEA, with whom we have signed an MOU, and will focus on "Emotional and Psychological Mental Health and Welfare Services: Policy Challenges."

The scope of health and welfare policies aimed at ensuring everyone's well-being and happiness is expanding, and new social risks are emerging. In particular, the issue of mental health is gaining importance as we seek to address the spread of social isolation and the risk of broken relationships. This seminar will examine relevant trends and perspectives, and explore the directions and challenges for policy research focused on mental health.

We have invited distinguished professors from KASWEA, who have made outstanding achievements in the fields of social welfare and mental health to participate in this seminar. This will be an excellent opportunity for domestic and international researchers to exchange diverse opinions and explore future policy research directions. We hope you will join us and contribute to meaningful discussions.

Thank you.

Sincerely,

Kang Hye-Kyu

Acting President, Korea Institute for Health and Social Affairs