Interview with James S.Y. Whang, Candidate for the 23rd President of the World Federation of Overseas Korean Economic and Trade Associations (World-OKTA)
By Wonsuh Song
James S.Y. Whang, Chairman of CoBees Enterprise Ltd. and CoBees H&L Holdings in Vancouver, has declared his candidacy for the 23rd presidency of the World Federation of Overseas Korean Economic and Trade Associations (World-OKTA), to be held in October. Having successfully introduced Korean alcoholic beverages and other global brands to the Canadian market, he now seeks to lead the world’s largest overseas Korean economic network into a new era.
For more than a decade, Whang has served World-OKTA in multiple capacities: Vice President for Future Development and External Relations, President of the Vancouver Chapter, and Chair of the Ethics Committee. These experiences convinced him of the urgent need for a more horizontal and open association that truly delivers tangible benefits to its members. “At every stage of my career, I have seen that practical results must come before formality, and execution must come before words. My candidacy is a responsible choice to put this principle into practice,” he explained.
At the core of his campaign lies the principle of sincerity and action. For Whang, sincerity means valuing each member as an individual, while action means taking responsibility through deeds rather than promises. “I will prioritize real outcomes over slogans, ensuring members see visible and meaningful benefits,” he said with conviction.
Discussing the challenges facing World-OKTA, Whang argued that the organization must break away from closed and ceremonial practices. “The association must focus on exchanges that members can truly feel, the creation of real business opportunities, and the nurturing of the next generation. World-OKTA must return to its essence as an economic network, not as a power structure.” He outlined concrete measures to achieve this: revitalizing inter-chapter exchanges, launching business matchmaking programs between diaspora and local companies, expanding youth internship opportunities, and supporting joint exhibitions and export consultations. “These initiatives must lead directly to contracts and revenue,” he noted.
Mr. Whang has also placed special emphasis on the next generation. “The next generation is the future of World-OKTA. Beyond event participation, we must provide corporate internships, mentoring, and startup support programs so that young leaders can realize their dreams.”
He brings to his candidacy a strong international corporate background. At AB InBev Global Headquarters, he oversaw sales operations across ten countries, and at Doosan Group he worked in restructuring and international sales. “I have strengths in crisis management, global strategy, and network expansion. These experiences will help me develop World-OKTA into an economic network that meets global standards.” His vision can be summed up in one phrase: “An OKTA with warmth, an OKTA that executes.” He envisions a respectful and supportive community that provides members with genuine opportunities while strengthening the organization’s global stature.
On the issue of transparency, Whang was firm. “Transparency has always been my top priority. I will make all executive operations open to members and ensure decision-making is horizontal. An organization without trust has no reason to exist.”
As the interview came to a close, he shared a message to World-OKTA members around the globe: “World-OKTA stands on the achievements built by the dedication of our predecessors. Now it is time to prepare for greater growth and a bigger leap forward. With service and commitment, I will open a new future together with our members. If you choose change, I will repay that trust with results.”
The origins of World-OKTA trace back to April 1981, when 101 overseas Korean traders from 16 countries gathered at the Seoul International Trade Fair. They formed the Overseas Korean Traders Association to contribute to Korea’s economic development by investing in their homeland, fostering compatriot traders, and promoting import and export trade with Korea. They also agreed to hold a general meeting in Korea every year, marking the birth of World-OKTA. Since then, the organization—celebrating its 43rd anniversary this year—has grown into the largest overseas Korean economic body, with 148 chapters in 68 countries. It continues to uphold its founding philosophy: to contribute to Korea’s economic development by promoting export. Today, World-OKTA is recognized as the central platform for overseas Koreans to connect, exchange, and expand their global business networks.
Wonsuh Song (OKTA Tokyo)
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