LYNNWOOD—The Korean Association of Greater Seattle launched a restart with a new look under the banner “GSKA for You,” at the Lynnwood Neighborhood Center on Friday, February 6. The association’s primary focus is generational change, integration into mainstream society, and nurturing the next generation.
In his oath of office and inaugural speech, President Won Jun Kim said, “Change is not an option, but a condition for survival,” and that that “Korean Association should no longer stay as a traditional organization” but to “transform into an open platform suitable for the digital age.”
“Change is not a choice but a prerequisite for life,” Kim, who was inaugurated as the 49th President of the Korean Association of Greater Seattle, told attendees.
Kim proposed a reformation in administration, communication, education, culture, and media as well as community stewardship in local communities.
Kim announced the establishment of a “Korean economic platform” to connect Korean small businesses and professionals to investment networks that will foster second and third generations.
The event was attended by community leaders in the Indian, Chinese, and Vietnamese communities, Lynnwood Mayor George Hurst, Snohomish County Councilman Nate Nehring, Lynnwood City Councilman Robert Leutwyler, Mukilteo City Councilman Jason Moon, and officials from the King County Sheriff’s Office and the Seattle Police Department.
Chairman Sam Sim, who took office on the same day, launched a “Community First” platform.
“Leadership is not for a specific person or position, but for everyone gathered here,” Chairman Sim said. “Service and action to give back what we have received is the essence of the Korean Association.”
Seo Eunji, Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in Seattle, delivered praised the leadership of Kim and Sim, saying, “The Korean Association of Greater Seattle has greatly raised its status as a bridge between the mainstream society and generations.”
She added, “In this significant year marking the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States, I look forward to the Korean community growing together with American society and creating a stronger future.”
Snohomish County Councilman Nehring and Lynnwood Mayor Hurst expressed a willingness to cooperate with the mission of the Korean Association of Greater Seattle.
“I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the Korean Association of Greater Seattle of a chairman and president,” Mayor Hurst told the over 200 attendees.
Author: Mario Lotmore
