Speaker Information

Panel Discussion 1

Panelist

Sungyeon Yi

  • Liaison Officer, UN Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF)

    Major Sungyeon Yi has been serving as a Military Liaison Officer in the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) since November 2023, following the Israel-Hamas conflict.

    She began her military career in 2006 through the Officer’s Candidate Course and was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the Republic of Korea (ROK) Army. Over her career, Major Yi has held key roles, starting as an Intelligence Analyst and Platoon Leader in the Capital Mechanized Infantry Division, progressing through various tactical and strategic positions, including at the Combined Forces Command. She also served as a Liaison Officer for the ROK Joint Chiefs of Staff, supporting the Korean Peninsula’s ceasefire agreement.

    Her military education includes Officer Basic Courses in Infantry and Intelligence, the Captain’s Career Course, and specialization in psychological operations at the U.S. Special Warfare School. She earned a bachelor’s degree in law and politics, a master’s in international studies with a thesis on Peacekeeping Intelligence, and is currently pursuing a Doctorate in International Studies, focusing on women’s participation in PKO.

    With five overseas deployments, Major Yi has extensive peacekeeping experience, including service with UNIFIL, UNMOGIP, and UNMISS. She has completed numerous courses, such as the Gender Advisor Course in Uganda and the GPOI Gender Planning Course in Malaysia.

    Recently selected for promotion to Lieutenant Colonel, Major Yi remains dedicated to advancing the Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) agenda, with a focus on gender dynamics in conflict and the Middle East.

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