Navigating strategic U.S. Defense partnerships: Jason Pak’s leadership in shaping Hanwha’s future

Q. Thank you for taking the time to speak with us today. Can you start by telling us a little about yourself and your background?

Certainly, I joined Hanwha USA Corporate Affairs in July 2024, after serving as Deputy Secretary of Veterans and Defense Affairs in Virginia and nearly a decade with Boeing. My career has centered around government relations, defense, and veterans’ affairs, shaped by my service in the U.S. Army, including deployment to Afghanistan. I graduated from West Point and earned an MBA from Georgetown University. Outside of work, I enjoy sports, traveling, and trying new cuisines, and I always stay on top of my dental health, thanks to my wife, who is a dentist. 

Q. You joined Hanwha after a successful career in the public and private sectors. What drew you to Hanwha?

As a Korean American, Hanwha felt like the perfect fit for me. I’ve always wanted to work with an organization with a vision to make a positive impact both in the U.S. and on a global scale, and Hanwha’s strong commitment to innovation and excellence inspired me to join. The opportunity to bring my experience in government and defense to a company with such a solid reputation made joining Hanwha an ideal choice.

“As a Korean American, Hanwha felt like the perfect fit for me. I’ve always wanted to work with an organization with a vision to make a positive impact both in the U.S. and on a global scale, and Hanwha’s strong commitment to innovation and excellence inspired me to join.”

Q. What are your primary responsibilities in your current role?

At Hanwha USA Corporate Affairs, we manage and lead Hanwha’s strategic engagements with key U.S. government stakeholders, including the executive branch, Congress, and relevant defense and aerospace agencies. My role as Senior Director of Government Affairs & Defense is centered on advocating for Hanwha’s priorities, building strong partnerships, and representing our goals across the U.S. defense and aerospace sectors.

Q. How have your personal experiences shaped your leadership approach?

My leadership approach was shaped by my experience in the military, where trust and teamwork were vital to success. In Afghanistan, I learned that a leader must first earn the trust of their team. Whether in the military, government, or corporate roles, trust and a positive mindset are essential for achieving results. I plan to bring this mindset to Hanwha by fostering trust and collaboration within my team and with external partners, ensuring we work towards shared goals.

Additionally, my background in government relations, advocacy, and strategy development has prepared me to work well with U.S. stakeholders and Hanwha’s senior leadership. Having lived and worked in both the U.S. and Korea, I understand the cultural nuances that influence decision-making and relationship building. This dual perspective helps me bridge gaps and ensure smooth collaboration between Hanwha and its U.S. partners.

Q. Can you share the most memorable project you’ve led in the aerospace or defense sector and a proud career moment?

One of the most memorable projects I led was at Boeing, where I oversaw veterans and military outreach initiatives. The project involved shrewd planning and close collaboration with external defense organizations, veterans’ groups, and internal contributors to strengthen engagement with the military community. It was rewarding to align my dedication to veterans’ causes with broader corporate goals, ensuring our initiatives made an impact and supported company objectives.

Another proud moment was representing the U.S. during the 70th anniversary of the Korean War Armistice in 2023. As a veteran with ties to the U.S. and Korea, it was an honor to stand as a bridge between two countries that have sacrificed so much for each other.

Q. And how will you apply the insights and skills from your experiences to enhance your role at Hanwha?

The relationships I built with key defense associates and the insights I gained into the defense industry and program management are directly applicable to my role at Hanwha. These experiences will enhance my ability to lead key engagements with U.S. defense stakeholders, navigate the regulatory environment, and contribute to advancing Hanwha’s defense technologies in a way that aligns with U.S. military priorities. The project honed my skills in cross-functional leadership, government relations, and program advocacy, all of which are essential as I work to support Hanwha’s growth in the U.S. defense market.

Q. What excites you most about working at Hanwha?

Hanwha attracts top talent, and I’ve been consistently impressed by the level of expertise, passion, and commitment across the team. Being part of Hanwha means working in an environment that prioritizes excellence and innovation, while also contributing to something greater than myself — making a meaningful impact in Hanwha’s defense sector.

I’m also excited about the opportunity to help Hanwha deepen its relationships within the U.S. defense industry. Hanwha’s commitment to innovation and talent development provides a solid foundation for positive traction in a dynamic market. My military background instilled in me the importance of trust and collaboration, and I’m eager to foster strong partnerships within my team and with external partners.

Q. What are the key factors for Hanwha’s successful entry and long-term growth in the U.S. defense market?

To succeed in the U.S. defense market, Hanwha must continue to build strong relationships with key participants, stay agile in responding to policy and budget changes, and demonstrate the impact of our defense technologies. Although challenges like navigating complex regulatory environments and rising competition exist, I am confident that Hanwha’s commitment to excellence will drive long-term growth. One area of innovation that I am excited about is our developments in autonomous systems and next-generation weapons technologies.

Q. Which skills do you consider most valuable for building these strategic relationships?

My military background, particularly as a combat-wounded veteran, enables me to understand the complexities of the defense community on a personal level. This perspective, combined with my experience in government relations and strategic advocacy, is invaluable for building strong relationships. Having worked closely with the U.S. Department of Defense and state government, I’ve developed a deep understanding of the defense sector’s regulatory environment and key contributors, which will support Hanwha’s goals in aligning its innovative defense solutions with U.S. military and government priorities.

Q. What are you currently prioritizing at Hanwha, and what future do you envision as a result?

My primary focus is building partnerships in the U.S. defense sector that will set the stage for Hanwha’s long-term success. I hope to secure key engagements with U.S. defense stakeholders while laying the groundwork for future collaborations that align with Hanwha’s vision of being a global leader in defense innovation.

“My primary focus is building partnerships in the U.S. defense sector that will set the stage for Hanwha’s long-term success. I hope to secure key engagements with U.S. defense stakeholders while laying the groundwork for future collaborations that align with Hanwha’s vision of being a global leader in defense innovation.”

I see substantial opportunities in Hanwha’s ongoing investments in defense and aerospace systems, particularly in autonomous and next-generation land systems, which are well-positioned to meet the evolving needs of the U.S. defense sector. Additionally, Hanwha has significant potential to grow in the maritime and naval domain, where our expertise in shipbuilding enables us to support allied naval modernization efforts and address emerging maritime security challenges.

About Jason Pak

With extensive experience in government relations, defense, and veterans’ affairs, Jason Pak has held senior leadership roles in the public and private sectors. His career includes service as a U.S. Army officer, Deputy Secretary of Veterans and Defense Affairs in Virginia, and strategic positions at Boeing. As a dedicated advocate for veterans and a skilled leader in defense, he enhances Hanwha USA Corporate Affairs’ engagement with key U.S. government entities, supporting Hanwha’s growth and influence within the U.S. defense and aerospace industry.

Keep up with Jason on LinkedIn.