In Memoriam of Dr. Edwin J. Feulner

The Asan Institute for Policy Studies (Founder and Honorary Chairman Dr. Chung Mong Joon) today mourns the passing of Dr. Edwin J. Feulner, who passed away on July 18, 2025.  Dr. Feulner was the founder, trustee, and longest-serving president of the Heritage Foundation.  He left an indelible mark not only on the United States but was also a great friend of Korea.  We extend our deepest condolences to his wife, Linda, and his family for their loss. 

Dr. Feulner was one of America’s most influential thought leaders and an icon of the conservative political movement.  Dr. Feulner was a good friend of the late Honorary Chairman Chung Ju-yung, the founder of the Hyundai group. 

Until his passing, Dr. Feulner was the chair of the Asian Studies Center at Heritage where he was the Chung Ju-yung Fellow for Foreign Policy Studies.  This was a position established to honor and celebrate the close friendship between Dr. Feulner and Honorary Chairman Chung.

Over many years, Dr. Feulner was also a dear friend and mentor to Dr. Chung Mong Joon, Founder and Honorary Chairman of the Asan Institute for Policy Studies. Dr. Feulner was a strong supporter of the Asan Institute since its establishment in 2008.  He served as a member of its international advisory board and was a speaker at every major conference the Institute hosted. 

Dr. Feulner’s leadership of the Heritage Foundation was the gold standard for how to turn ideas into policy outcomes in what he called the “battle of ideas.”  Dr. Feulner’s support and advice were crucial in what would eventually become the Asan Institute for Policy Studies.

Dr. Feulner was one of America’s most influential thought leaders. Dr. Feulner and his colleagues have shaped how every U.S. administration since President Ronald Reagan has engaged the world. On a trip to Washington in March 1987, Dr. Feulner secured an invitation for Dr. Chung and his father to visit the White House to meet with President Ronald Reagan. 

While Dr. Feulner was an icon of the American conservative political movement,  his contributions were also recognized on a bipartisan basis.  In 2002, to celebrate 25 years of his leadership at the Heritage Foundation, then President Kim Dae-jung awarded Dr. Feulner the medal of the Order of Diplomatic Service Merit for his services in promoting bilateral ties.  We hope that Koreans of all political orientations will reflect on his legacy and contributions to the Korea-U.S. relationship.

Dr. Feulner may now be gone, but he shall never be forgotten.

Attachment 1: Memoriam Statement

Attachment 2: Photos

Media enquiries: Communications Department 02) 3703-7338, communications@asaninst.org