Greetings

Dear Members of the Korea Ensemble of Contemporary Design (KECD),

Greetings. My name is Minhyoung Lee, and it is my great honor to serve as the 17th President of KECD.

First and foremost, I would like to express my deepest respect and gratitude to our former presidents and all members who have dedicated themselves to preserving and advancing the history and values of our association.

Founded in 1969 as the Korea Experimental Designers Association, KECD is now preparing for a new leap forward beyond its half-century legacy toward the next 100 years. Over the past 56 years, KECD has shaped the course of contemporary visual design in Korea through an enduring spirit of experimentation, while expanding the quality and social role of design through active international exchange. Our commitment to design not only as an industry, but as a cultural force, has become the firm foundation of KECD today.

Standing upon this legacy, we now face the moment to design Next KECD—the future of our association.

In 2026, KECD will move forward with a practice-oriented vision guided by three key values: Next Generation, Internationality, and Connection. These initiatives go beyond individual events; they represent a strategic process through which KECD connects with future generations and maintains continuous dialogue with the global design community.

As the sole representative full member association of the International Council of Design (ICo-D) in Korea, KECD has played a central role in supporting Korean designers as they compete and collaborate within an increasingly borderless global design environment. Our international activities—including the Asia Graphic Design Triennial, global design seminars, and design education support programs for developing countries—are tangible outcomes of this commitment. KECD will continue to grow as a design platform that connects Asia and the world.

Building upon 57 years of accumulated history, I am committed to strengthening KECD as a central platform that shapes new directions for Korean design and enhances its international competitiveness.

An association that carries forward its tradition, puts change into practice, and prepares for what comes next—

Next KECD is a journey I look forward to building together with all of you.

Thank you for your continued support and participation.

Minhyoung Lee

President, Korea Ensemble of Contemporary Design (KECD)