Advocacy with Impact. This July, CKA has been at the forefront of meaningful advocacy efforts, reflecting our commitment to impactful community engagement. On July 24, we hosted the 17th Annual 727 Armistice Day Commemoration in Washington, DC, a poignant event marking the 15th anniversary of National Korean War Veterans Armistice Day. This gathering not only honored the sacrifices of Korean War veterans but also emphasized our ongoing advocacy for peace on the Korean Peninsula.
Ahead of the APIAVOTE Leadership Summit & Presidential Town Hall, CKA hosted a special dinner in Philadelphia, bringing together CKA members, NetKAL alumni, and friends from the community. This event fostered meaningful connections and set the stage for our participation as a hosting committee member at the APIAVOTE Summit & Town Hall, furthering our engagement in advocacy on a national scale. Additionally, CKA’s Executive Director, Abraham Kim, represented our community at the prestigious Joint Civilian Orientation Conference, highlighting the importance of AAPI representation in national defense conversations and broader government engagement.
Our Emerging Leaders Scholars experienced hands-on learning in New York City, connecting with established leaders and furthering their public service aspirations. Meanwhile, the latest Network of Korean American Leaders (NetKAL) session in Warrenton, VA, delved into leadership strategies that merge professional growth with impactful community involvement.
As we continue preparations for our 2024 Envision Gala & Summit, we are excited about the upcoming announcement of our honorees. These leaders, distinguished in their fields, epitomize the advocacy and impact that CKA aims to highlight and celebrate. Their achievements not only advocate for our community but also inspire future generations of leadership.
David Lee Celebrates WEBTOON Entertainment's Successful Nasdaq Debut
Join us in celebrating CKA Member David Lee, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer at WEBTOON Entertainment, as he marks a significant milestone for the company.
WEBTOON Entertainment, a global entertainment leader and home to some of the world’s largest storytelling platforms, recently went public on the Nasdaq. The company’s shares surged by as much as 14% on their debut, highlighting WEBTOON’s innovative impact on the webcomic format and its role in empowering creators worldwide.
David Lee’s exceptional leadership in financial and operational roles has been instrumental in guiding WEBTOON through this groundbreaking achievement. The IPO, led by CEO Junkoo Kim ringing the Opening Bell, underscores the company’s influential presence in the entertainment industry.
As we celebrate David Lee’s contributions to WEBTOON Entertainment’s success, we recognize his pivotal role in shaping the future of digital storytelling and supporting creative talents globally.
John Lee Joins BDO USA as a Tax Principal in the Los Angeles Market
John Lee has joined BDO USA as a Tax Principal in the firm’s Los Angeles office where he will be leading client relationships and market development in Southern California. John advises public and privately held companies, private equity funds, partnerships, and foreign-owned corporations. John joins BDO from another national professional services firm where he led the Media & Entertainment industry group in the LA/Southern California market and served as the national leader of the South Korea Practice, focusing on inbound transactions from South Korea to the US.
Eddie Ahn’s Graphic Novel ADVOCATE reaches San Diego Comic Con and Washington Post’s “5 Best Graphic Novels” List
Cartoonist Eddie Ahn will be going to San Diego Comic Con in July for a panel and book signings for his graphic memoir ADVOCATE. After sold-out events at the Strand in NYC and two more bookstores, his book has achieved national bestseller status and has been listed as one of the Washington Post’s “five of this year’s best graphic novels.” He also recently supported CKA’s Emerging Leaders Scholarship program by talking with the ELS cohort about the book and his environmental nonprofit career.
Chang Lim Hosts Charity Fundraiser with OC Foundation and Taste of Korea
Chang Lim hosted a charity fundraiser on behalf of the Orange County Korean American Bar Association (OCKABA) Foundation, raising over $40,000 to support free legal clinics and scholarship programs. The event featured a variety of Korean foods, beverages, and entertainment, and was supported by Danny Im (1TYM), Dokkaebier (CKA Member Youngwon Lee), INNOVATUS (Cecil Park, the first Korean American female winemaker in Napa), HiteJinro America, and Makku makgeolli, among others.
Leo Kim, Ph.D., Founded a New Biotech with the Univ. of Penn for Friedreich’s Ataxia, a Pediatric Rare Disorder
Our member of the Life Science and Health Affinity group, Dr. Leo Kim, launched a new biotech in partnership with the University of Pennsylvania scientists to develop meaningful therapies for children suffering from Friedreich’s ataxia, a leading and lethal form of inherited ataxia. If you are interested in learning more about the disease and new venture, feel free to contact Leo directly at Leo.Kim@HigherMedicine.Bio.
Soo Kim Discusses Putin-Kim Summit and North Korean Military’s Construction of Wall with CNN, BBC
Dr. Soo Kim recently joined CNN to discuss the intentions and broader regional implications of Vladimir Putin’s summit with Kim Jong Un. She also appeared on BBC to provide her assessment on the North Korean military’s construction of a wall along the demilitarized zone (DMZ).
Honoring the Korean War Veterans: 17th Annual 727 Armistice Day Commemoration
On July 24, 2024, we had the honor of hosting the 17th Annual 727 Armistice Day Commemoration at the Nancy Pelosi Caucus Room in Washington, DC. This special event marked the 15th anniversary of the law establishing National Korean War Veterans Armistice Day in the United States, serving as a moment to honor Korean War Veterans and advocate for peace on the Korean Peninsula.
Generously sponsored by LG, the congressional reception was co-hosted alongside esteemed organizations, including Remember727, Korean American Grassroots Conference (KAGC), Hwarang Youth Foundation, Federation of Korean Associations USA, Korea Economic Institute (KEI), and The Korea Society. The evening featured special performances, heartfelt remarks by Members of Congress, veterans, and hosts—including CKA Executive Director Abraham Kim.
The event included a Nanta Korean traditional drumming performance, the awarding of Ambassador of Peace Medals by the ROK Embassy, and a poignant candle-lighting ceremony at 7:27 pm, offering a moment of reflection and unity. A highlight was the photo exhibit of the Korean War by Lim In-Sik, South Korea’s first war photographer, providing a visual tribute to the veterans.
This gathering not only honored the sacrifices of the 1.8 million American service members but also emphasized the ongoing hope for lasting peace on the Korean Peninsula. Together, we honored the past and committed to working towards a brighter future.
CKA Executive Director Abraham Kim had an engaging and insightful July, connecting with CKA members and leaders across various cities and attending significant events that reinforced community bonds and leadership development. Abe’s journey began in Philadelphia where CKA hosted a dinner for 16 members, NetKAL alumni, and friends from Philadelphia, New York City, and Washington, D.C. The gathering was rich with meaningful connections and unforgettable stories. The following day, Abe participated in the APIAVOTE Leadership Summit & Presidential Town Hall. As a member of the hosting committee, he gained valuable insights and reinforced CKA’s commitment to civic engagement and leadership within the AAPI community.
Next, in New York City, Abe met with the 2024 Emerging Leaders Scholarshiprecipients during their field trip, sharing valuable leadership insights over dinner. He also connected with CKA members and partners, discussing updates and opportunities to enhance member engagement.
The journey continued in Virginia for the fourth session of the Network of Korean American Leaders (NetKAL) XIII, focusing on “What Does Thriving Look Like as a Korean American Leader.” Back in Washington, D.C., Abe attended and spoke at the 17th Annual 727 Armistice Day Commemoration, honoring Korean War veterans and advocating for peace. He also participated in our Impact Academy: Media & Leadership Training Program, further supporting AAPI public servant leaders.
Abe’s travels this month have been filled with profound interactions and learning opportunities, reinforcing the impact of leadership and community engagement. He looks forward to sharing more insights and continuing to foster connections across the community.