Our Unfolding Chapters. In March, as we commemorate Women’s History Month, we delve into the stories that define the Korean American experience, celebrating the remarkable women who have left an indelible mark on our community’s narrative. One story we’re celebrating is the successful release of Starry Field, Margaret Juhae Lee’s new memoir that offers a poignant exploration of her grandfather’s role in the Korean independence movement, illuminating a pivotal chapter of history while delving into the complexities of intergenerational dialogue.
Alongside Lee’s narrative, we draw inspiration from events including our recent Author Talk with Ed Park, author of “Same Bed Different Dreams” and “Personal Days,” which shed light on the multifaceted layers of Korean American identity.
We extend our heartfelt appreciation to all who attended our Special Reception for Ambassador Sung Kim, celebrating his retirement and recognizing his nearly four decades of dedicated public service and enduring impact on our community.
And, we reflect on CKA Executive Director Abraham Kim‘s attendance at the #StandTogether Atlanta event, commemorating the lives lost in the tragic Atlanta Spa Shooting three years ago. As we gather in remembrance, we stand united in hope for a future where women are valued, cherished, and empowered.
In each of these moments, we find the threads of our collective story weaving together, shaping the chapters of our shared journey towards a more just and equitable world for all.
Roy Choi & Yosup Shim Kick Off The Bay Area Panthers 2024 Season
CKA Members Roy Choi and Yosup Shim, exemplary leaders in sports management and community engagement, are gearing up for an exciting new season with the Bay Area Panthers.
Roy Choi, the co-founder and owner of the Bay Area Panthers, brings a wealth of experience and passion to the forefront of sports management. His visionary leadership has been instrumental in shaping the team’s identity and fostering a culture of excellence both on and off the field. Yosup Shim, appointed as Team President last November, stands as a testament to dedication and perseverance. His strategic insights and commitment to fostering inclusive communities have been pivotal in driving the Panthers towards new heights of success.
As NetKAL Fellowship Program Alumni, Roy and Yosup exemplify CKA’s commitment to nurturing leaders who make a positive impact in their respective fields. Their dedication to excellence and community engagement serves as an inspiration to us all.
To commemorate their highly anticipated 2024 season, the Panthers are offering complimentary tickets for their inaugural game on March 31st. Join us in cheering on Roy Choi, Yosup Shim, and the entire Bay Area Panthers team as they embark on this exciting journey.
Marshall Cho Appointed Head Coach for the 2024 Nike Hoop Summit
CKA Member Marshall Cho, a distinguished leader in the world of basketball coaching, has been appointed head coach for the Men’s World Select Team at the prestigious 2024 Nike Hoop Summit.
The 2024 Nike Hoop Summit, scheduled for April 13th in Portland, Oregon, marks the 25th edition of this renowned event. With an illustrious history boasting 287 alumni drafted by NBA teams, this event serves as a platform for emerging talent to showcase their skills on a global stage.
Marshall Cho’s appointment to this esteemed position underscores his exceptional talent and dedication to the sport. As former Head Boys Basketball Coach for Lake Oswego High School in Oregon, he consistently demonstrated his coaching prowess and leadership abilities throughout his eight-year tenure with his teams securing the Three Rivers League title for three consecutive seasons and Cho being named League Coach of the Year each year.
As he prepares to guide the Men’s Team through this prestigious event, Cho brings with him a wealth of experience, strategic insight, and a passion for nurturing young athletes. As we anticipate Marshall Cho’s leadership at the 2024 Nike Hoop Summit, let us rally behind him and the Men’s Team, celebrating his contributions to the sport and wishing them success on this exciting journey.
Dr. Edward Chang Honored for 2024 AKFS Lifetime Achievement Award
American Korean Friendship Society (AKFS) recognizes Americans of Korean heritage for their volunteer work and efforts for the Korean American community’s advancement with a Lifetime Achievement Award each year. AKFS Board unanimously honors Dr. Edward Chang for the 2024 Lifetime Achievement Award. AKFS recognizes Dr. Chang’s remarkable contributions and voicing tirelessly for the Korean American community in the past nearly three decades. Congratulations, Edward!
Marie Oh Huber Receives Legal Professional of the Year Award at 2024 KABA Northern California Gala
At the 2024 Korean American Bar Association of Northern California Gala on March 1st, Marie Oh Huber was honored as the Legal Professional of the Year. This achievement is truly inspirational and reflects her dedication and excellence in the legal field. Congratulations, Marie!
Paul Kim Empowers Future Leaders at Minnesota High School Scholarship Celebration
CKA Member and former Board Chair, Paul Kim, and his son, Charles Kim, spoke at the 29th annual gala of the Minnesota Association of Korean Americans (MAKA) to recognize and inspire MAKA scholars. The gala was spearheaded by Patty Liu, Founder/CEO of “Best of Korea” (top-rated news portal on Korean pop-culture and community news). Patty serves as a board member and Mentoring/Fundraising Committee Chair of MAKA.
J. Joseph Kim Starts New Biotech Company, AGENTA Therapeutics, Inc.
After 21 years of leading INOVIO Pharmaceuticals, J. Joseph Kim took a well-deserved break in 2022. Seeing the opportunity to make a difference in the fight against cancer, he founded AGENTA Therapeutics Inc. in late 2023. Although still in stealth mode with no website, the company has completed the university in-license of IP/technology and is gearing up to advance their first product into clinical testing next year. This new venture is incredibly exciting and energizing, as they work towards creating the next biotech star in the field of cancer immunotherapy.
Hugel Receives U.S. FDA Approval for Its Botulinum Toxin Letybo
Hugel, where Michael Keyoung is currently a board member of, has just been granted marketing approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for its product, Letybo. This significant milestone highlights Hugel’s unwavering commitment to product quality and credibility, as well as its adherence to the stringent standards set by one of the world’s foremost regulatory authorities. This approval marks a historic achievement for Hugel, positioning it as the first and only Korean company and one of the top 3 global players to secure market approvals in three key aesthetic markets—namely the United States, China, and Europe. With approvals now spanning 63 countries, Hugel continues to broaden its global reach, setting an inspiring example for the industry.
Kinzie Capital Buys Arctic Industries in Private Equity Deal
Kinzie Capital Partners LP is proud to announce the acquisition of Arctic Industries, LLC., a national manufacturer and distributor of temperature control and cold storage solutions. From Kinzie Managing Partner Suzanne Yoon, “Arctic plays a critical role in servicing essential aspects of the economy, from food service to industrial businesses. We look forward to utilizing our resources and expertise to support Arctic’s continued growth and longstanding commitment to customer satisfaction.”
Collaboration of Jennifer Koh and Missy Mazzoli in their Tiny Desk Premiere
Two adventurous musicians, violinist Jennifer Koh and composer Missy Mazzoli, trace the history of their fruitful collaboration in a set of pieces both ferocious and beautiful. You can watch the full performance here.
Monica Kang named HRCap’s Top 15 Women Influencers to Follow in 2024
In honor of the upcoming Women’s History Month, HRCap spotlighted 15 exceptional women influencers who are making a remarkable difference in their respective industries and society. Monica Kang, CEO of InnovatorsBox, was among the list of inspirational leaders for her exceptional contributions to fostering creativity and innovation. Congratulations, Monica!
Photo Credit: Adam Pardee
Youngwon Lee Selected as 40 Under 40 by SF Business Times
Youngwon Lee was recognized as one of the brightest young leaders in the business community by being included in the San Francisco Business Times’ 40 Under 40 awards. Additionally, Youngwon and his craft beer brand, Dokkaebier, were featured by the Golden State Warriors through their Franchise Fund program, highlighting exceptional local businesses. Congratulations, Youngwon!
Joseph Bae Joins U.S.-Japan Business Council’s Board of Directors
The U.S.-Japan Business Council welcomes Joseph Bae, Co-CEO of KKR, to their Board of Directors. KKR has been a longtime member of the U.S.-Japan Business Council, and they are delighted to see Mr. Bae take on this leadership role.
Dr. Soo Kim Moderates Book Discussion on Dr. Sung-Yoon Lee’s “The Sister: North Korea’s Kim Yo Jong, The Most Dangerous Woman in the World”
Dr. Soo Kim, a former CIA North Korea analyst, recently moderated a discussion on Dr. Sung-Yoon Lee’s book on North Korea’s Kim Yo Jong. The event, sponsored by the Korea Foundation, included Korea specialists, journalists, and former government officials. Discussion topics included Kim Yo Jong’s rise to power, her role in the Kim Jong Un regime, and current geopolitical atmospherics in the context of North Korea policy.
Jeanie Chang Shines Light on Mental Health in Latest Korea Times Article
Jeanie Chang was featured in a recent article by Korea Times on how she uses K-drama examples in her clinical work, suggesting relatable series that could help patients overcome their mental struggles. The article highlights how Jeanie is reshaping perceptions and approaches toward mental health through the influence of K-dramas. Read more here.
Andrew Yeo on NPR’s Weekend Edition to Discuss North Korean Weapons Proliferation
Andrew Yeo was interviewed on NPR’s Weekend Edition to discuss North Korean weapons and sanctions evasion. You can listen to the conversation here.
CKA Hosts Special Reception for Ambassador Kim
On March 13, we celebrated Ambassador Sung Kim, a historic diplomat with nearly 40 years of public service. With his numerous country-based ambassador roles and envoy/special representative positions, he is a rare five-time ambassador.
A wonderful role model and leader, guests heard stories of Ambassador Kim from friends and colleagues. Ambassador Sung Kim then provided remarks and participated in a Fireside Chat with CKA Executive Director Abraham Kim where he discussed pivotal career milestones and the legacy he hopes to leave behind.
Special thank you to Hyundai Motors for supporting a wonderful celebration. We would also like to thank the 100+ community members, including Ambassador Kim’s friends and colleagues, who joined us.
March was an exceptionally busy month for CKA Executive Director Abraham Kim as he traversed the country, connecting with CKA and community members, attending events, and celebrating achievements.
In California, Abe attended the CKA Membership Dinner in San Diego and the Gana Art Exhibit & Appreciation Dinner in Los Angeles. The exhibition, curated by CKA Member Sunhee Kim, showcased the remarkable work of artist Shiota Chiharu. Abe enjoyed a private tour of the exhibit, followed by a dinner with CKA members in the Los Angeles area.
Heading to Boston, Abe participated in our Author Talk with Ed Park at Harvard University, co-hosted with Harvard University Korea Institute. The event featured a reading and book discussion with author Ed Park, followed by a lively discussion on topics ranging from the writing process to Korean history. Additionally, Abe joined the CKA Membership Dinner, further strengthening connections within the Boston community.
In Washington, D.C., CKA hosted a Special Reception for Ambassador Sung Kim honoring Ambassador Sung Kim’s extraordinary career and retirement. Ambassador Kim, with almost four decades of dedicated public service, has left an enduring legacy in our community and beyond. CKA (and Abe especially) was proud to recognize his contributions, and celebrate his remarkable achievements.
Next, Abe traveled to Atlanta, where he served as the emcee for the Korean American Friendship Dinner. Abe was honored to participate once again after being recognized as an awardee in 2023. This year held special significance as he had the privilege of presenting awards to two of his personal heroes and dear friends, Ambassador Sung Kim and Professor Edward Chang from UC Riverside. Additionally, he participated in the #StandTogether Atlanta event, a poignant occasion commemorating the lives lost during the Atlanta Spa Shooting three years ago. This solemn gathering served as a powerful reminder of the enduring impact of the tragedy and the resilience of the Asian American community.
Abe ended the month by meeting with CKA Members and friends in New York City, further nurturing relationships and connections within the community. Throughout his travels and engagements, Abe remains dedicated to fostering unity, celebrating achievements, and advocating for the Korean American community.