Dr. Jai-poong Ryu is Professor Emeritus of Sociology at Loyola University Maryland. He earned his law degree from the College of Law at Seoul National University and a Ph.D. in Sociology from the University of Minnesota. His academic work has focused on macro-sociological interpretations of history, conflict resolution, and social institutions. In addition to his scholarly contributions, Dr. Ryu served as an advisor from 1988 to 2000 to Baltimore Mayors Kurt Schmoke and Martin O’Malley, as well as to the U.S. Census Bureau during its decennial efforts in the Baltimore area.

Following his retirement in 2012 after 42 years of university teaching, Dr. Ryu founded the One Korea Foundation, Inc. (OKF) and continues to serve as its President and CEO. The Foundation is dedicated to fostering public support for the peaceful unification of the Korean Peninsula under a free and democratic republic. In early 2015, Dr. Ryu helped establish the One Korea Coalition (OKC)—a partnership between the OKF, the Global Peace Foundation, and more than 600 civic groups across Korea and the United States. That same year, marking the 70th anniversary of Korea’s liberation and division, the OKC launched the One Dream One Korea Campaign, introducing a new Declaration for One Korea and a commemorative Song for One Korea. Dr. Ryu currently serves as Co-Chair of the OKC.