Dr. David Choi: KAC Board Member and Treasurer (2000-2003)
How were you involved with KAC?
I have been a big fan of KAC since I saw it represent the Korean American community after the LA Riots. Years later, I was honored to be a board member and treasurer. I signed every check for a period of 2 years.
Why is KAC important to you?
It's all we've got. It's not like we have 5 other organizations that can properly represent us politically in Los Angeles and across the country. And we are so poorly represented. So many great people have served for KAC in the past - I am happy that it is being strengthened again.
What are you up to now?
I am a professor and the head of the Entrepreneurship program at Loyola Marymount University. It is a nationally ranked program in which we encourage our students to solve the world's problems and pursue their dreams as entrepreneurs.
Is there a message you'd like to share with the Korean American community?
Be bold, brave, and proud. I don't do business with anyone who is not proud of their ethnicity. It shows weakness of character. Just cannot trust someone who is not proud of their family and heritage. Please support KAC and take time to serve your community.
I have been a big fan of KAC since I saw it represent the Korean American community after the LA Riots. Years later, I was honored to be a board member and treasurer. I signed every check for a period of 2 years.
Why is KAC important to you?
It's all we've got. It's not like we have 5 other organizations that can properly represent us politically in Los Angeles and across the country. And we are so poorly represented. So many great people have served for KAC in the past - I am happy that it is being strengthened again.
What are you up to now?
I am a professor and the head of the Entrepreneurship program at Loyola Marymount University. It is a nationally ranked program in which we encourage our students to solve the world's problems and pursue their dreams as entrepreneurs.
Is there a message you'd like to share with the Korean American community?
Be bold, brave, and proud. I don't do business with anyone who is not proud of their ethnicity. It shows weakness of character. Just cannot trust someone who is not proud of their family and heritage. Please support KAC and take time to serve your community.
Grace Kim: KAC National Board Vice Chair (2003 - 2009)
How were you involved with KAC?
KAC was organized by several wonderful dreamers in 1983, and Mr. Keith Kim was a key person in this. We lived in Davis (Northern California) at the time, and our son David S. Kim, was a second year student at Occidental College. Korean American leaders in the Los Angeles area, like Charles Kim, Tong Soo Chung, Duncan Lee, and Mr. Keith Kim, got together to organize KAC, where our son became secretary. Mr. Keith Kim also organized the Board of Directors and asked my husband Dr. Luke I. Kim, Mr. K. W. Lee, and myself to become Board members representing Northern California. At the time, Los Angeles was the only truly active KAC. We had camps, the college student summer leadership conference, citizenship classes, voter registration, etc.
We were all inspired by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s Civil Rights Movement and learned a lot. And through our Northern California Korean Oral History Project, funded by Presbyterian Church, USA, we learned about the first Korean immigrants' (1903-1905) difficult working conditions, discrimination, racism, and independence movements. And after the victory of the Chol Soo Lee Defense Committee (1973-1983), we realized we needed to have political empowerment and to raise our voice. We encouraged young people to run for elected office, and we supported candidates, whether Republican or Democratic.
The Korean American community's needs are changing, but we still have to emphasize Political Empowerment, Korean American Identity, Leadership Development, Effective and Caring Communication, Multicultural Understanding, Community Service, Freedom, Equality, Justice for All, etc.
After the Los Angeles Riots, we realized more about political involvement and social justice issues.
The National Chol Soo Lee Defense Committee is a good model: an intergenerational, interracial, multiracial, multi-religious, cooperative grassroot movement. That is why we were able to win. It was a truly historic event.
Former Irvine mayor Sukhee Kang, Virginia State lawmaker Mark Keam, civil rights lawyer Do Hyung Kim (now part of the KW Lee Center at the KA Leadership Center), County Supervisor Michelle Park Steel, former California State Assemblymember Young Kim, LA City Councilmember David Ryu, Steve Kang at KAFLA, Executive Director of the Council of Korean Americans Sam Yoon, and our sons David S. Kim and Danny S. Kim are all doing very well, and these people are all products of KAC.
I was vice chair of the KAC national board from 2003 to 2009. KAC organized many local chapters, but only a few chapters are active now, including Chicago, Seattle, Colorado, and LA.
Why is KAC important to you?
The first generation's responsibility is help our younger generations to develop strong self identity, confidence, leadership, value systems, servant leadership, a healthy concept of success, and life goals. We have to continue to do more of our leadership development conferences, produce more lawmakers, have strong KA voices who can work for social justice for all in this country. And we have to learn how to work with other KA organizations and multicultural groups.
What are you up to now?
I am a 86 years young, retired high school teacher/counselor. I wrote a weekly column for Korean-language newspapers for ten years on parent-child relations, decision-making, communication, friendship, love and marriage, parenting, life management skills, physical and mental health, etc. Now, I live in Seal Beach Leisure World - we moved here from Davis in 2006. The population here is about 9,000, and it is a multiracial, multi-religious, and over-55 community, but the average age is between 75 and 90. I am heavily involved at our church, an interdenominational Protestant church, I am a lifelong Presbyterian. I am a founder of the Korean American Chorale, Korean American Classical Music Class, and Creative Writers Class; I served on the Golden Age Foundation Board for 8 years; I served on the Democratic Club Board and California Retired Teachers Club; I was President of the Korean American Association in 2009 and I am one of the advisory board members; I organized the Multicultural Council in 2006. I also help many KA Community Counseling Centers and the Somang Society in LA Orange County.
Is there a message you'd like to share with the Korean American community?
Korean American people are very bright, hardworking, and religious, but we have to pay more attention to mainstream politics and immigrant issues. We have to learn how to stand up for our rights and work together with other communities. Money is not success. Social status is not success. We have to be more community-minded, sharing, and giving, and we have to serve people, love and care for others first, listen to each other, be mentors to each other. Life is short, therefore we have to be thankful for each moment and love our neighbors (oppressed, voiceless people) joyfully. My husband of 53 years, my best friend, my love, my partner past away 2 years ago. I miss his love, care, encouragement, support, and his ideas very much. But we had a wonderful life together and lots of beautiful memories. Now, I have to wait until I meet him again after I leave this world.
KAC was organized by several wonderful dreamers in 1983, and Mr. Keith Kim was a key person in this. We lived in Davis (Northern California) at the time, and our son David S. Kim, was a second year student at Occidental College. Korean American leaders in the Los Angeles area, like Charles Kim, Tong Soo Chung, Duncan Lee, and Mr. Keith Kim, got together to organize KAC, where our son became secretary. Mr. Keith Kim also organized the Board of Directors and asked my husband Dr. Luke I. Kim, Mr. K. W. Lee, and myself to become Board members representing Northern California. At the time, Los Angeles was the only truly active KAC. We had camps, the college student summer leadership conference, citizenship classes, voter registration, etc.
We were all inspired by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s Civil Rights Movement and learned a lot. And through our Northern California Korean Oral History Project, funded by Presbyterian Church, USA, we learned about the first Korean immigrants' (1903-1905) difficult working conditions, discrimination, racism, and independence movements. And after the victory of the Chol Soo Lee Defense Committee (1973-1983), we realized we needed to have political empowerment and to raise our voice. We encouraged young people to run for elected office, and we supported candidates, whether Republican or Democratic.
The Korean American community's needs are changing, but we still have to emphasize Political Empowerment, Korean American Identity, Leadership Development, Effective and Caring Communication, Multicultural Understanding, Community Service, Freedom, Equality, Justice for All, etc.
After the Los Angeles Riots, we realized more about political involvement and social justice issues.
The National Chol Soo Lee Defense Committee is a good model: an intergenerational, interracial, multiracial, multi-religious, cooperative grassroot movement. That is why we were able to win. It was a truly historic event.
Former Irvine mayor Sukhee Kang, Virginia State lawmaker Mark Keam, civil rights lawyer Do Hyung Kim (now part of the KW Lee Center at the KA Leadership Center), County Supervisor Michelle Park Steel, former California State Assemblymember Young Kim, LA City Councilmember David Ryu, Steve Kang at KAFLA, Executive Director of the Council of Korean Americans Sam Yoon, and our sons David S. Kim and Danny S. Kim are all doing very well, and these people are all products of KAC.
I was vice chair of the KAC national board from 2003 to 2009. KAC organized many local chapters, but only a few chapters are active now, including Chicago, Seattle, Colorado, and LA.
Why is KAC important to you?
The first generation's responsibility is help our younger generations to develop strong self identity, confidence, leadership, value systems, servant leadership, a healthy concept of success, and life goals. We have to continue to do more of our leadership development conferences, produce more lawmakers, have strong KA voices who can work for social justice for all in this country. And we have to learn how to work with other KA organizations and multicultural groups.
What are you up to now?
I am a 86 years young, retired high school teacher/counselor. I wrote a weekly column for Korean-language newspapers for ten years on parent-child relations, decision-making, communication, friendship, love and marriage, parenting, life management skills, physical and mental health, etc. Now, I live in Seal Beach Leisure World - we moved here from Davis in 2006. The population here is about 9,000, and it is a multiracial, multi-religious, and over-55 community, but the average age is between 75 and 90. I am heavily involved at our church, an interdenominational Protestant church, I am a lifelong Presbyterian. I am a founder of the Korean American Chorale, Korean American Classical Music Class, and Creative Writers Class; I served on the Golden Age Foundation Board for 8 years; I served on the Democratic Club Board and California Retired Teachers Club; I was President of the Korean American Association in 2009 and I am one of the advisory board members; I organized the Multicultural Council in 2006. I also help many KA Community Counseling Centers and the Somang Society in LA Orange County.
Is there a message you'd like to share with the Korean American community?
Korean American people are very bright, hardworking, and religious, but we have to pay more attention to mainstream politics and immigrant issues. We have to learn how to stand up for our rights and work together with other communities. Money is not success. Social status is not success. We have to be more community-minded, sharing, and giving, and we have to serve people, love and care for others first, listen to each other, be mentors to each other. Life is short, therefore we have to be thankful for each moment and love our neighbors (oppressed, voiceless people) joyfully. My husband of 53 years, my best friend, my love, my partner past away 2 years ago. I miss his love, care, encouragement, support, and his ideas very much. But we had a wonderful life together and lots of beautiful memories. Now, I have to wait until I meet him again after I leave this world.
Chris Lee: KAC Volunteer and Staff (2007 - 2016)
How were you involved with KAC?
I started as a volunteer back in 2007 because of my daughter. She was volunteering a couple of days a week, and since I was unemployed at the time, she asked me if I could help. I was not looking for work, but I was able to lend a hand. KAC was moving to a new location, and they needed to organize files and pack. After a few months of volunteering, Grace, our then-Executive Director, offered me a part-time position. I realized that this was an opportunity to be a part of KAC and to get involved with community advocacy. I started out helping two days a week, which soon became three days. A few years later, I became a full-time employee, and that's when my adventure started. I started assisting with citizenship, voter registration, Korean BBQ competitions, redistricting hearings, office managing, and the 4.29 meditation center. Since KAC is not a large non-profit office, I had my fingers in many pies.
Why is KAC important to you?
I believe KAC is the voice of our community. KAC is there for me, as well as for others, in advocating, empowering, educating, and embracing our diverse society.
What are you up to now?
After 9 years at KAC, I learned the value of advocating, educating, embracing, and empowering our younger generations, but now I work with senior citizens. I work as a Resident Service Coordinator (RSC) helping seniors with self-sufficiency. I, as educator/advisor, advocate, facilitator, investigator, networker, and referral agent, provide services to seniors so that they can stay in their residences as long as their health permits.
Is there a message you'd like to share with the Korean American community?
Let us be one voice, united and compassionate, because our community matters and home is always worth fighting for.
I started as a volunteer back in 2007 because of my daughter. She was volunteering a couple of days a week, and since I was unemployed at the time, she asked me if I could help. I was not looking for work, but I was able to lend a hand. KAC was moving to a new location, and they needed to organize files and pack. After a few months of volunteering, Grace, our then-Executive Director, offered me a part-time position. I realized that this was an opportunity to be a part of KAC and to get involved with community advocacy. I started out helping two days a week, which soon became three days. A few years later, I became a full-time employee, and that's when my adventure started. I started assisting with citizenship, voter registration, Korean BBQ competitions, redistricting hearings, office managing, and the 4.29 meditation center. Since KAC is not a large non-profit office, I had my fingers in many pies.
Why is KAC important to you?
I believe KAC is the voice of our community. KAC is there for me, as well as for others, in advocating, empowering, educating, and embracing our diverse society.
What are you up to now?
After 9 years at KAC, I learned the value of advocating, educating, embracing, and empowering our younger generations, but now I work with senior citizens. I work as a Resident Service Coordinator (RSC) helping seniors with self-sufficiency. I, as educator/advisor, advocate, facilitator, investigator, networker, and referral agent, provide services to seniors so that they can stay in their residences as long as their health permits.
Is there a message you'd like to share with the Korean American community?
Let us be one voice, united and compassionate, because our community matters and home is always worth fighting for.
Hon. Mark Kim: KAC Member (Mid-1990s - Present)
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How were you involved with KAC?
I was involved with KAC in the mid-1990s. I was director for the summer camp in 1996. I was also a board member in late 1990s to early 2000. I don't recollect the exact timeline.
Why is KAC important to you?
KAC has always played an important role in bridging the KA community with the mainstream. KAC's other priority was to mentor younger 1.5 and 2nd generation KAs to play a greater role in the KA community by volunteering.
What are you up to now?
I have been a superior court judge for Los Angeles Superior Court since 1998.
Is there a message you'd like to share with the Korean American community?
The KA community has unlimited potential. We have come a long way since the LA Riots in 1994. However, we need to reaffirm our commitment to make sure that younger KAs are taught to appreciate their KA heritage and identity.
When I was appointed in 1998, the KA media made my appointment front page news. At the time, I said that I will work hard to make sure that my appointment will open the door for other KA to become judges. Today, we have 9 KA judges in LA county.
We all need to pitch in to make sure that the KA community can realize its potential.
I was involved with KAC in the mid-1990s. I was director for the summer camp in 1996. I was also a board member in late 1990s to early 2000. I don't recollect the exact timeline.
Why is KAC important to you?
KAC has always played an important role in bridging the KA community with the mainstream. KAC's other priority was to mentor younger 1.5 and 2nd generation KAs to play a greater role in the KA community by volunteering.
What are you up to now?
I have been a superior court judge for Los Angeles Superior Court since 1998.
Is there a message you'd like to share with the Korean American community?
The KA community has unlimited potential. We have come a long way since the LA Riots in 1994. However, we need to reaffirm our commitment to make sure that younger KAs are taught to appreciate their KA heritage and identity.
When I was appointed in 1998, the KA media made my appointment front page news. At the time, I said that I will work hard to make sure that my appointment will open the door for other KA to become judges. Today, we have 9 KA judges in LA county.
We all need to pitch in to make sure that the KA community can realize its potential.
Peter Lee: KAC Volunteer (2013 - 2014, 2017 - Present)
How were you involved with KAC?
I first volunteered at KAC in 2013-2014 during the LA redistricting effort. Then, I got married and took a break from volunteering for a couple years. This year, I was reacquainted with KAC at the Open House and since then, I've been volunteering for 2 hours on a weekly basis providing basic IT support and assistance.
Why is KAC important to you?
KAC is important to me because KAC is important to the Korean community. As a Korean-American living in Los Angeles, I can relate to many of the community and political struggles that we face today. These are challenging times for all of us in many ways, and so I feel it's more pertinent that we set aside our differences and come together as a whole to support the community we live in. As such, I believe that KAC can be the vehicle for standing together and helping each other out during these tough times.
What are you up to now?
These days, I'm helping the KAC staff bring about new ideas and content to market for the KAC website. My next project is to refurbish some of the old unused computer desktops that are collecting dust in the KAC office and bring them to life. Other than that, I'm usually working on some random Raspberry Pi projects at home or I'd be trying to teach myself, through rigorous trial and error, some new hobbies, like surfing...
Is there a message you'd like to share with the Korean American community?
Please go out and exercise your freedom to vote! We stand united when we vote!
I first volunteered at KAC in 2013-2014 during the LA redistricting effort. Then, I got married and took a break from volunteering for a couple years. This year, I was reacquainted with KAC at the Open House and since then, I've been volunteering for 2 hours on a weekly basis providing basic IT support and assistance.
Why is KAC important to you?
KAC is important to me because KAC is important to the Korean community. As a Korean-American living in Los Angeles, I can relate to many of the community and political struggles that we face today. These are challenging times for all of us in many ways, and so I feel it's more pertinent that we set aside our differences and come together as a whole to support the community we live in. As such, I believe that KAC can be the vehicle for standing together and helping each other out during these tough times.
What are you up to now?
These days, I'm helping the KAC staff bring about new ideas and content to market for the KAC website. My next project is to refurbish some of the old unused computer desktops that are collecting dust in the KAC office and bring them to life. Other than that, I'm usually working on some random Raspberry Pi projects at home or I'd be trying to teach myself, through rigorous trial and error, some new hobbies, like surfing...
Is there a message you'd like to share with the Korean American community?
Please go out and exercise your freedom to vote! We stand united when we vote!
Jeanne Min: External Affairs Coordinator (2001)
How were you involved with KAC?
I was hired to be the External Affairs Coordinator in May 2001 - Nov 2001. During that time some of the projects and issues I managed on behalf of KAC: Koreatown redistricting at all levels of government, establishing a new Wilshire Center/Koreatown Neighborhood Council, partnering with the Legal Aid Foundation of LA to provide free legal services to KAs who needed assistance with immigration, and strengthening relations with our local legislators.
Why is KAC important to you?
I don't believe it was an accident I started working at KAC. Though I was clueless about the makings of government or politics at that time, I quickly learned KAC gave voice to the KA community here in Los Angeles. People relied on the organization's existence. Looking back, 25 years ago, KAC was the ONLY voice speaking for the community, which was still vulnerable to racism, discrimination, and its lack of political representation. Thanks to our leaders - past and present, much has been done, but KAC is not done yet...there is still much to do.
What are you up to now?
After my stint at KAC, I was hired to become a field deputy with LA City Councilmember Tom LaBonge (4th District). I later became his Chief of Staff. In 2013, I was tapped to serve LA City Councilmember Mitch O'Farrell (13th District) as his Chief of Staff where I have been for the last 4 years.
Is there a message you'd like to share with the Korean American community?
KAC has always been fighting and advocating for you. Whether you know it or not, the mission of KAC has positively impacted you. Though we have come far economically and politically, the Korean American community needs to stay engaged and be strengthened by its own diversity of beliefs/values. Only then can we also embrace other communities and continue to work for the common good.
I was hired to be the External Affairs Coordinator in May 2001 - Nov 2001. During that time some of the projects and issues I managed on behalf of KAC: Koreatown redistricting at all levels of government, establishing a new Wilshire Center/Koreatown Neighborhood Council, partnering with the Legal Aid Foundation of LA to provide free legal services to KAs who needed assistance with immigration, and strengthening relations with our local legislators.
Why is KAC important to you?
I don't believe it was an accident I started working at KAC. Though I was clueless about the makings of government or politics at that time, I quickly learned KAC gave voice to the KA community here in Los Angeles. People relied on the organization's existence. Looking back, 25 years ago, KAC was the ONLY voice speaking for the community, which was still vulnerable to racism, discrimination, and its lack of political representation. Thanks to our leaders - past and present, much has been done, but KAC is not done yet...there is still much to do.
What are you up to now?
After my stint at KAC, I was hired to become a field deputy with LA City Councilmember Tom LaBonge (4th District). I later became his Chief of Staff. In 2013, I was tapped to serve LA City Councilmember Mitch O'Farrell (13th District) as his Chief of Staff where I have been for the last 4 years.
Is there a message you'd like to share with the Korean American community?
KAC has always been fighting and advocating for you. Whether you know it or not, the mission of KAC has positively impacted you. Though we have come far economically and politically, the Korean American community needs to stay engaged and be strengthened by its own diversity of beliefs/values. Only then can we also embrace other communities and continue to work for the common good.
Paul "PK" Kim: KAC Program Coordinator (2002-2004)
Why is KAC important to you?
KAC is important to me because:
1. It's hard enough to get Koreans to agree on which restaurant to go to, let alone coming together as a community. Strength in numbers.
2. KAC registers voters.
3. I was Director of NCLC for two years and speaker for 7 years.
4. 4.29.1992
5. Charles Kim was a mentor. We disagree politically but he's still a pioneer. I respect him much.
What are you up to now?
I'm the Outreach Coordinator for www.leapfoundation.com.www.leapfoundation.com. I MC/DJ weddings for Prokreation Productions. I'm a stand up comedian > www.pkcomedy.com
My wife Tammy Kim is an attorney and she's brilliant. And I have three wonderful kids! Solomon 8, Sophie 5, Silas 2. I'm never not working.
Is there a message you'd like to share with the Korean American community?
Apathetic is pathetic. JeaLousy is Lousy.
Want to know more about PK?
Facebook: Personal, Page
Instagram
Twitter
Podcast
Snapchat: channelpktown
KAC is important to me because:
1. It's hard enough to get Koreans to agree on which restaurant to go to, let alone coming together as a community. Strength in numbers.
2. KAC registers voters.
3. I was Director of NCLC for two years and speaker for 7 years.
4. 4.29.1992
5. Charles Kim was a mentor. We disagree politically but he's still a pioneer. I respect him much.
What are you up to now?
I'm the Outreach Coordinator for www.leapfoundation.com.www.leapfoundation.com. I MC/DJ weddings for Prokreation Productions. I'm a stand up comedian > www.pkcomedy.com
My wife Tammy Kim is an attorney and she's brilliant. And I have three wonderful kids! Solomon 8, Sophie 5, Silas 2. I'm never not working.
Is there a message you'd like to share with the Korean American community?
Apathetic is pathetic. JeaLousy is Lousy.
Want to know more about PK?
Facebook: Personal, Page
Podcast
Snapchat: channelpktown