RSO Meeting Review

Graphic by Katie Park

Consulate Circle had the rare opportunity to engage directly with the Head of the Regional Security Office (RSO), an organization critical to U.S. global security. The interview was successfully held at the Grand Hyatt Hotel with seven Consulate Circle members in attendance. 

The RSO plays a pivotal role in safeguarding U.S. personnel and facilities abroad, often navigating complex geopolitical threats like cyberattacks or regional instability. Furthermore, the RSO helps to advise and guide the public on precautions and safety in a foreign country. The RSO is composed primarily of six different sections: Regional Security Officers (RSOs), a Security Engineering Office, an Office Management Specialist, a Marine Security Guard (MSG) Detachment, Foreign Service National Investigators (FSNI), and Local Guards. The RSO collaborates with the CIA on intelligence sharing and with the FBI on counterintelligence and law enforcement operations. While much of the RSO's work remains classified, the publicly available information offers valuable insights into their operations.

During the meeting, the Head of the RSO addressed questions about the robust partnership between South Korea and the United States. The answers we received assured us that these relations were solid; however, attention should be shifted toward relations with other countries. The Head of the RSO was able to share with us that South Korea and the United States see on the same level as each other which allows them to be able to maintain and grow a strong and healthy relationship.  Although a majority of the information that was discussed at this meeting may not be shared due to an issue with confidentiality, many questions were asked and answered which provided insight into issues prominent in the world today. The Head of the RSO also then moved on to share his own descriptions of how the different agencies work together and how a majority of the work isn’t isolated and instead is collaborative between different offices, departments, and regions spread around the world. He shared with us a variety of different organizations and groups that he works with including the personnel of high executives and covert people groups among others. 

The Head of the RSO also shared with us his personal experiences and time working in South Korea for the RSO and has found delight in his time here. Even before he moved here, he shared that he had to take a course on the basics of Korean etiquette and formalities. Aside from his work and job as Head of the RSO, he enjoys spending time with his family and hobbies such as hiking. He has genuinely enjoyed his time living and working in Seoul, South Korea, and has noted that he has no complaints other than that there is more than often too much traffic in the busy city. Although he shared it was a bit tough balancing his work and personal life with each other upon his arrival in Korea, he has managed to get accustomed to the Korean work life. One notable struggle he encountered is in regard to the invisible social class or hierarchy that exists within Korean companies between the workers and he was able to overcome these introductory hurdles and now is able to be an effective leader to the people in the RSO. He also outlined a day in the life of the role he assumes with his position and noted how he spends a lot of time meeting and interacting with different types of people and organizations on a regular basis. Some things he spends his time at the office doing include managing and leading negotiations, working with the managing team of the RSO, dealing with security restrictions, and also simply getting to know the people he is working with. 

The meeting came to an end with final questions regarding how his own personal experiences and the mission of the Regional Security Office all tie back into how the United States is able to protect its global security as a whole. Final notes included how even though the work as a person in a leadership position may be tough, it has its upsides and benefits. This meeting was an incredible opportunity for the Consulate Circle and was not a meeting that could be easily set up at any time. It was an honor to be able to ask questions to the Head of the RSO himself in person and being able to foster and grow valuable connections moving forward in the future for more meetings to come possibly with him again or others. Furthermore, connecting back to the main objectives of the US RSO, he also shared his personal advice with all students alike. The Head of the RSO makes it clear that with respect, motivation, and a drive to delve into new experiences, anyone can do anything they set their minds to.