Korean American Coalition
  • About
    • Mission
    • History
    • Who We Are >
      • Board of Directors
      • Advisory Board
      • Honorary Board
      • Staff
    • Annual Reports >
      • 2019 Annual Report
      • 2017 KAC Annual Report
    • KAC: Where Are They Now
  • COVID-19 Resources
    • Public Health & Safety
    • Housing
    • Employment
    • Food
    • Racism/Xenophobia
    • School
    • Small Business Support
    • Technology
  • Civic Engagement
    • Voter Engagement >
      • Information | Videos
      • Resources
      • In-Language Resources
    • Citizenship
    • Advocacy >
      • Promoting Fair and Transparent Voting
      • KAC in Solidarity with the Black Community
      • K-Town ED Joint Statement Against Anti-Asian Hate
      • KAC's Timeline of A Bridge Home Homeless Solutions in Koreatown >
        • What is the Bridge Home Program?
        • Bridge Home Facts and Q & A
      • AHCA
  • Census 2020
    • KAC Census Information Center >
      • Census Data >
        • Language and Education
        • Demographics and Citizenship
        • Industry, Employment, and Income
        • Economic Contribution and Civic Engagement
        • Housing and Health
    • KAC Census Videos
    • 2020 Census FAQs
    • Learn More >
      • U.S. Census Bureau
      • We Count LA
    • LAUSD-EVERYONE COUNTS
  • Programs
    • Alternative Dispute Resolution Center
    • Internship Program
    • IgniteNextGen Fellowship
    • Model United Nations (MUN) >
      • MUN 2020-2021
    • National College Leadership Conference (NCLC) >
      • Apply
      • Testimonials >
        • 2019 NCLC Testimonials
        • 2017 NCLC Testimonials
        • 2016 NCLC Testimonials
  • Donate
    • Support Us
    • Our Supporters
  • 한국어
  • Updates
    • Press Release
    • News
  • Awards
    • Luminary Award >
      • 2019 Recipients
      • 2018 Recipients
  • Get Involved
    • Membership
    • Career Opportunities

 KAC News

March 8, 2017: KAC Invites Students to Casting Call for Upcoming Film About Korean American/Immigrant Heroes and Legends
Picture
Heroes and Legends in Pre-Production
Production is Scheduled to Launch April 1, 2017
The Korean American Coalition in partnership with internationally acclaimed and award winning filmmaker Christopher HK Lee launches pre-production of “Heroes and Legends.” KAC is holding a casting call on Saturday, March 18, 2017 from the hours of 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. in its office, located 3727 W. 6th St., Suite 305, Los Angeles, CA 90020 for students interested in making a film about heroes and legends in the Korean American/Immigrant community. No experience is necessary.

The casting call is strictly for high school and college students. Students will be given 45 minutes to complete a two page essay on what it means to be a hero or legend in the Korean American/Immigrant community. 

Synopsis of the project: 
Told through the eyes of younger generations, “Heroes and Legends 2017,” a short documentary profiles the lives, contributions and achievements of the Korean American/Immigrant heroes and legends of California. Selected students from local high schools and colleges will work closely with filmmaker Christopher HK Lee, to research, review, select and document ten Korean American/Immigrant heroes and legends. Participants will need to commit every Saturday from April 1 to August 1, 2017 to complete the film.

Heroes and Legends will be made available on DVDs, books and screened during KAC’s annual Gala on October 14, 2017. All participating students will receive internship certificates for school credit and attend the Gala as special guests. 

For more information visit the official Heroes and Legends Film website: 
www.fadingawaymovie.com/heroesandlegends

Media Coverage: Radio Korea, Korea Times

Picture
March 3-5, 2017: Southern California MUN Conference

Eight of KAC-LA's MUN students participated in one of the largest MUN conferences in the world at the University of Southern California. Four of our students won awards at BMUN--they brought back four research awards, two awards of commendation, and two awards for outstanding performance. One student also won the "Critic's Choice" award in the BMUN Instagram contest!

​Media Coverage: Korea Daily

February 20, 2017: Manhee Koju Foundation Life Grant Award Ceremony

Congratulations to the recipients of the Manhee Koju Foundation Life Grant Awards! The Manhee Koju Foundation, a non-profit organization, provides grants to community members in need, and the awards were presented at the Koreatown Senior and Community Center. KAC was proud to work with our diverse, multiethnic community to nominate outstanding individuals for this award.
Picture

Picture
February 15, 2017: Voter Registration

KAC held a voter registration drive with OCA-Greater Los Angeles in front of the LA Convention Center and registered new citizens to vote in time for the March election. KAC staff and volunteers had the pleasure of meeting LA City Councilmember Mitch O'Farrell, who dropped by during the drive. If you haven't registered yet, please drop by our office or our upcoming events to get registered!

February 13, 2017: Know Your Rights

On 10th of February, more than 160 people were arrested in Los Angeles-area ICE operation that targeted criminal aliens, illegal re-entrants, and immigration fugitives. KAC stresses to "Know Your Rights" especially regarding responds to such operations.
Please forward the link to friends and families. 

Media: Korea Daily

Picture

February 6, 2017: KAC Praises Community and Law Enforcement Response to Attack of Korean American Senior Citizen

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


                                KAC Applauds Local Residents and Law Enforcement for Arrest Made on Attack of
                                                                                   Korean American Senior Citizen


LOS ANGELES - The Korean American Coalition (KAC) applauds the prompt action of local Koreatown citizens and the Olympic Division of the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) for the arrest of the assailant responsible for the assault on an 83-year-old Korean American senior citizen on Wednesday, February 1.

“We thank the bystander for chasing down and apprehending the assailant, as well as our partners at the Olympic Division LAPD for their swift response to the 911 call,” said Joon Bang, KAC Executive Director.

KAC received numerous phone calls and messages from alarmed community members since news of the attack went viral on social media. The Korean American community expressed outrage as pictures of the assaulted Korean American senior began taking over various news media outlets. “The moment KAC became aware of the assault, we began contacting local law enforcement and elected officials’ offices on multiple levels of government to ensure justice was being enacted. We are a community that believes in honoring and protecting our senior citizens. KAC will make every effort to ensure that they are safe and represented,” said Bang.


                                                                                                       #  #  #

                                                                                   Educate | Embrace | Empower
​
Korean American Coalition-Los Angeles (KAC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization established in 1983 to promote the civic and civil rights interests of the Korean American community. KAC endeavors to achieve these goals through education, community organization, leadership development, and coalition-building with diverse communities. 

Picture
February 3, 2017: #WeAreAllAmerica Solidarity Protest

The Korean American Coalition's Executive Director Joon Bang stood with community leaders from the Council on American-Islamic Relations, California Rising Collaborative, Church World Service, CLUE LA, El Rescate, Islamic Center of Southern California, Latino Coalition of Los Angeles PAC, SEIU California, and SEIU-USWW at the 
#WeAreAllAmerica Solidarity peaceful protest.

​Media: Korea Times

 February 2, 2017: KAC Takes a Stance on President Trump's Executive Order on Immigration

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
                                                                                                                                                                                                   Contact: Joon Bang
                                                                                                                                                                                                          (213) 365-5999
                                                                                                                                                                                                         joon@kacla.org

                                                          Statement from the Korean American Coalition-Los Angeles 
​                                                     on the President’s Discriminatory Executive Order on Immigration

 
LOS ANGELES - On January 27, 2017, President Donald J. Trump signed an Executive Order suspending entry into the United States for all refugees, as well as citizens from seven predominantly Muslim countries.
 
The Korean American Coalition - Los Angeles (KACLA) opposes the Executive Order that exhibits parallels with the history of previous exclusion laws and unconstitutional actions of injustice. The Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 prohibited the immigration of Chinese laborers. In 1939, Congress rejected a bill to accept 20,000 Jewish refugee children due to an "America-first" approach. In 1942, more than 110,000 Japanese-Americans were deported against their will and incarcerated in internment camps.
 
The time has come for us to stand in solidarity and truth. Our United States of America was established upon a foundation built by immigrants -- people from all over the world seeking a place of refuge in which to build a life of safety and freedom for their families. However, President Trump's Executive Order on immigration betrays American values and the trust of our immigrant communities. KAC believes this Executive Order is un-Constitutional and un-American. We stand together not only as a community of immigrants, but as people from all walks of life that firmly stand against this gross injustice.
 
To those who share our concerns, we ask you to contact your Senators and Representatives. Let them know that this Executive Order not only violates the Constitutional right to religious freedom, but also goes against the principle of what it means to be a citizen in the Land of the Free.
  
                                                                                                       #  #  #

                                                                                   Educate | Embrace | Empower
​
Korean American Coalition-Los Angeles (KAC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization established in 1983 to promote the civic and civil rights interests of the Korean American community. KAC endeavors to achieve these goals through education, community organization, leadership development, and coalition-building with diverse communities. 

December 14, 2016: Asian Jewish Initiative Meeting

KAC hosted a successful meeting of the Asian Jewish Initiative, which was led by the Anti-Defamation League (ADL). KAC met with representatives from ADL, OCA-Greater Los Angeles (OCA-GLA), Filipino American Services Group, Inc. (FASGI), Korean Churches for Community Development (KCCD), Leadership Education for Asian Pacifics, Inc. (LEAP), South Asian Bar Association SABA), Wells Fargo, Loyola Marymount University, Congressman Ted Lieu’s office, Councilmember David Ryu’s office, the Israeli Consulate, and the Japanese Consulate to discuss future collaborative projects.
Picture

Picture
December 3-4, 2016: LAIMUN (Mira Costa) Conference

Sixteen of KAC-LA's MUN students attended their second conference of the year at Mira Costa High School. From among 16 schools, KAC received the Best Club award, thanks to our students' outstanding performance. Out of the 462 students at the conference, two members of our novice division and one of our advanced division received commendation awards. In addition, one student from our advanced division received the Best Delegate award.

Media Coverage: Korea Daily, Korea Times

November 30, 2016: Press Conference

The KAC Board introduced Joon Young Bang as the new Executive Director for KAC, and welcomed new members of the staff and board. Executive Director, Joon Bang, answered questions from members of the press and described his vision for KAC. 

Media Coverage: Korea Daily, Korea Herald, Korea Times, Radio Korea, Koreatown Daily
Picture

Picture

November 4, 2016: KAC & KAFLA Ballot Initiative Town Hall

On Friday, November 4, 2016, KAC and KAFLA held a joint Ballot Initiative Town Hall at the KAFLA Building.  This was an opportunity for voters in the Korean American community to familiarize themselves with the numerous (17 State initiatives alone) initiatives on the ballot this year.  KAC's Senior Development Specialist, Christina Kang, carefully explained each CA State, LA County, and LA City ballot initiative to the dozens of voters that came out. 

Media Coverage:  Korea Times, Korea Daily, LA18

October 16, 2016: #IAmAsianAmerican

In order to motivate Asian Americans to register to vote, #IAmAsianAmerican put on simultaneous events in four cities, with the flagship event at the Wiltern in Koreatown on October 16, 2016.  KAC registered voters before the concert and at the After Party/Night Market in front of the RadioKorea building.  
Picture

Picture
October 15, 2016: Candidate Forum

KAC, KAFLA, and the  North Valley Voters Alliance co-sponsored a candidate forum in conjunction with the League of Women Voters for District 5's Supervisorial Seat. The candidates, Kathryn Barger and Darrell Park, discusses a wide range of topics relevant to the residents of the North Valley. 

​October 13, 2016: 22nd Annual Legislative Luncheon

On Thursday, October 13th, KAC hosted its 22nd Annual Legislative Luncheon at Yong Su San Restaurant.  Over twenty elected officials from every level of government attended and spoke on the issues of homelessness and civic engagement. In addition to a record turn out in elected officials, this year's Luncheon also saw increased participation from the Korean American community.  

KAC would like to thank all the elected officials that came out in support of the Korean American community and extend special thanks to Jamison Services, SoCalGas, and Gingi Marketing Fundamental for their support!

Media Coverage: LA18, KBS America, RadioSeoul, Korea Times, Korea Daily, 


Picture

Picture
October 8, 2016: Cerritos High School MUN Conference

On Saturday, October 8th, KAC-LA's MUN students participated in their first MUN Conference of the year at Cerritos High School. After weeks of preparation, our students were ready to compete.  Over 1,300 students from California participated in this conference, and half of KAC-LA's 24 students received awards of excellence for their performance.   ​



September 27, 2016: National Voter Registration Day

For National Voter Registration Day, KAC, along with 10 community partners, mobilized to register voters throughout Los Angeles County. KAC's efforts on National Voter Registration Day resulted in the registration of 491 voters in Los Angeles County.
Picture

Picture
September 22-25, 2016: 43rd Los Angeles Korean Festival

The 43rd Los Angeles Korean Festival showcased Korean food, culture, and talent for the residents of Los Angeles. At this event, KAC registered 300 people to vote. KAC staff and volunteers also answered questions about registration and informed members of the community about the availability of translated mail-in ballots.

September 16-17, 2016: 14th Annual KAC National Convention

KAC-Washington hosted this year's National Convention in Bellevue, Washington. The 2016 convention theme, "United Today for a Stronger Tomorrow" exemplifies the direction of KAC and our commitment for community empowerment and scholarship. 7 KAC chapters and 300 people attended the convention with distinguished election officials and professionals from all disciplines. The 2017 KAC National Convention will take place in Portland, Oregon. 
Picture

Picture
September 13, 2016: Korean Consulate Dinner

The Korean Consul General, Lee Key Cheol, invited the KAC Board of Directors, Advisory Board, staff, and supporters to a dinner at the Korean Consul General's Residence. KAC and the Korean Consul General discussed key issues for the Korean American community and reaffirmed our partnership.

August 9, 2016: Historic Victory for Koreatown Community 
​
The Koreatown Community won a tremendous victory as the LA County Board of Supervisors unanimously agreed to include a 12,500 square feet Koreatown Arts & Recreation Center (KARC) "Community Center" within the Vermont Corridor Project. KAC-LA and ten other non-profit organizations were present to advocate on behalf of Koreatown for this community center, which is expected to become Koreatown's landmark. We did it! 
Picture

Picture
August 5, 2016: 12th Anniversary of the LA Senior Citizens Society

KAC celebrated and registered voters at the 12th Anniversary of the LA Senior Citizens Society, which was held at Trinity Central Lutheran Church. 

August 2, 2016: National Night Out Event 

KAC attended the Olympic Area's 8th Annual National Night Out Event, where KAC interns and staff participated in the peace march and registered voters at the LAPD Olympic Community Police Station. 
Picture

Picture
​July 14, 2016: Comfort Women History Voted Into California Textbooks

The California Board of Education voted Thursday for the inclusion of 'comfort women,' women from Asia forced into sexual slavery by the Japanese army during World War 2, into 10th grade curriculums starting September 2017. 

July 5, 2016: Parks Parcel Tax Added on November Ballot 

After a three-hour hearing with more than 120 people addressing the board, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors voted 3-1 to add on the November ballot a measure that would add a one-and-a-half cent per square foot parcel tax on properties countywide to help fund LA County parks. 
Picture

Picture
June 20-24, 2016: KAC National College Leadership Conference (NCLC) 

College students from 6 different states including Alaska, California, Oregon, Illinois, Texas, and Georgia attended KAC's 36th Annual National College Leadership Conference (NCLC) to cultivate leadership, identity formation, and professional development. 

​June 18, 2016: Korean American Grassroots Conference 

KAC collaborated with KACE, KAFLA, and KAFC for the second annual Korean American Grassroots Conference (KAGC) in Los Angeles, where they motivated the community to organize, advocate, and participate in the Democratic process. 
Picture

Picture
Picture
Picture
​June 9, 2016: 3 KAC Members Recognized as
"47 Next Generation of Korean American Leaders" 
​

KAC-LA Board of Directors Janny Kim, Advisory Board Member Alexander Kim, and Deputy Director Steve Kang were selected by The Korea Times as "47 Next Generation of Korean American Leaders."

​May 21, 2016: APAHM Pacific Bridge Concert 

​
KAC attended the Los Angeles Asian Pacific American       Heritage Month (APAHM) "Pacific Bridge" community concert celebration and live performances. KAC registered new voters for the upcoming Presidential Election. 
Picture

Picture
​May 19, 2016: Steve Kang Inducted As one of
'40 under 40' Emerging Civic Leaders in Los Angeles
​

KAC Acting Executive Director Steve Kang was recognized by Assemblymember Sebastian Ridley-Thomas as '40 under 40' honoree at the launch of the Emerging Civic Leaders Committee of the Empowerment Congress.

April 9, 2016: U.S. Census Bureau Headquarters 
​
KAC is redesignated as 1 of 52 Census Information Centers (CIC) in the United States and the sole Korean American CIC whose mission is to provide efficient access to Census Bureau data and disseminate Census data. 
Picture



​


Picture
​March 19, 2016: KAC's 33rd Anniversary Gala
​
KAC held its 33rd Anniversary Gala at the Garden Suite Hotel, with keynote speakers Anthony Yom and Los Angeles City Councilmember David E. Ryu. 




​March 4-6, 2016: Berkeley MUN Conference 

8 KAC MUN students attended the Berkeley Model United Nations (BMUN) Conference, where they engaged in passion debate and discussion with delegates from around the world. 




Picture

Picture
​February 27, 2016: Comfort Women Petition Drive 

Volunteers at KAC input petitions asking to incorporate the history of Comfort Women into the textbook curriculum in California. 

​January 30, 2016: KAC & USC KASA National Convention

KAC held its National Convention in partnership with the USC Korean American Student Association (KASA). Over 300 people attended the convention at the University of Southern California (USC). 


Picture

Picture
​January 9, 2016: Free Healthcare Insurance Enrollment Event 

KAC, in partnership with Assemblymember Miguel Santiago, Councilmember David E. Ryu, and Covered California, held a free healthcare insurance enrollment event sponsored by Assemblymember Richard Bloom. 50 low-income households registered under Covered California. 



​December 7, 2015: The Prospects for Unification on the Korean Peninsula 

The T.H.I.N.K. Program at KAC sponsored an event held by members of the Korean Presidential Committee for Unification Preparation at the University of California, San Diego. 


Picture

Picture
​November 12, 2015: KAC's 21st Annual Legislative Luncheon

KAC held its 21st Annual Legislative Luncheon and were honored to have 16 elected officials to discuss issues pertinent to our community. Over 100 community members attended the luncheon to raise awareness for key community issues. 


October 10, 2015: Cerritos High School Fall 2015 Conference 

17 KAC Model UN Students participated at the Cerritos High School Fall 2015 Conference. 8 students received Excellence Awards for their presentation!
Picture

Picture

October 5, 2015: KAC Announces New Deputy Director 
KAC Board is pleased to announce our new Deputy Director.


August 7, 2015: Fall Internship Opening 

KAC is looking for college students who have passion for civic matters and community outreach. Visit KAC fall internship page to learn more about the program 
Picture

Picture
August 5, 2015: Model United Nations Press Conference

Current attendees share their experiences with the KAC MUN Program and their goals for the future. August 21 is the application deadline for the 2015-2016 KAC MUN Program.









August 5, 2015: Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors

Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors present the Korean American Coalition with a special commendation for civic pride.






Picture

Picture
August 3, 2015: Promote Pro-Vote

The 2015 KAC summer interns have kick-started a campaign to increase voter registration and turnout in Los Angeles. Learn more about how you can join the effort by visiting the new Promote Pro-vote website.





"Learning to be a Leader" by Jessica Kwen 
(KoreAm Journal)

An attendee of the 35th Annual Korean American Coalition College Leadership Conference reflects on her experience.






Picture

Picture
July 13, 2015: Twitter Launch

KAC makes its foray into Twitter! For the latest news and updates about KAC and important Korean American issues, follow us @KACLA1983.






Korean American Coalition - Los Angeles
3727 W. 6th Street, Suite 305,
Los Angeles, CA 90020

Tel: (213) 365-5999
Email:
 info@kacla.org

  • About
    • Mission
    • History
    • Who We Are >
      • Board of Directors
      • Advisory Board
      • Honorary Board
      • Staff
    • Annual Reports >
      • 2019 Annual Report
      • 2017 KAC Annual Report
    • KAC: Where Are They Now
  • COVID-19 Resources
    • Public Health & Safety
    • Housing
    • Employment
    • Food
    • Racism/Xenophobia
    • School
    • Small Business Support
    • Technology
  • Civic Engagement
    • Voter Engagement >
      • Information | Videos
      • Resources
      • In-Language Resources
    • Citizenship
    • Advocacy >
      • Promoting Fair and Transparent Voting
      • KAC in Solidarity with the Black Community
      • K-Town ED Joint Statement Against Anti-Asian Hate
      • KAC's Timeline of A Bridge Home Homeless Solutions in Koreatown >
        • What is the Bridge Home Program?
        • Bridge Home Facts and Q & A
      • AHCA
  • Census 2020
    • KAC Census Information Center >
      • Census Data >
        • Language and Education
        • Demographics and Citizenship
        • Industry, Employment, and Income
        • Economic Contribution and Civic Engagement
        • Housing and Health
    • KAC Census Videos
    • 2020 Census FAQs
    • Learn More >
      • U.S. Census Bureau
      • We Count LA
    • LAUSD-EVERYONE COUNTS
  • Programs
    • Alternative Dispute Resolution Center
    • Internship Program
    • IgniteNextGen Fellowship
    • Model United Nations (MUN) >
      • MUN 2020-2021
    • National College Leadership Conference (NCLC) >
      • Apply
      • Testimonials >
        • 2019 NCLC Testimonials
        • 2017 NCLC Testimonials
        • 2016 NCLC Testimonials
  • Donate
    • Support Us
    • Our Supporters
  • 한국어
  • Updates
    • Press Release
    • News
  • Awards
    • Luminary Award >
      • 2019 Recipients
      • 2018 Recipients
  • Get Involved
    • Membership
    • Career Opportunities