(코리아타운뉴스) More Interaction with 2nd Generation Koreans

Around 130 attend first “business mixer”
hosted by Korean Chamber of Commerce

It was quite awkward. Understandably so, as grown men and women were led by their parents. As moms and dads led the way, their children followed them from behind.

That is how the business mixer for young businesspeople and leaders of the Korean community started at the South Korean consulate office in Los Angeles on May 9. It was an event for first and second generations of Korean-Americans to network. Presented by the Korean consulate office and the L.A. Korean Chamber of Commerce, it was the first ever business mixer targeted for all generations.

A lot has been said within the community about the need for the first and second generation Korean-Americans to interact and communicate more. However, it has not always been easy for second generation Koreans, with their limited grasp of the Korean language, to step up and meet with the older generation.

“Korea is a country that warrants strong pride as it’s the only country in the world to fully democratize and industrialize among the countries that gained independence after the World War II,” said L.A. Consul General Key-cheol Lee at the mixer.

Following Lee’s words, the look on the younger attendees’ faces began to change. Once the awkwardness went away, they began to greet everyone without hesitation. Business cards were exchanged and introductions began taking place.

Andrew Suh, the council aide for Councilmember David Ryu, explained the daily life of assisting a politician. Ray and Justin Kim, the sons of fruit jelly business owner Bong-hyun Kim, stood before a crowd of elderly men and discussed their business model.

Cal-City Construction owner Woo-Sung Lim’s son James and Koam Construction owner Chun-shik Kim’s son Daniel said that they have been assisting their fathers for nearly 10 years and that they expect the mixer to help their businesses.

Okta LA chairwoman Jung-sook Lim attended the mixer with her daughter Dana.
“I came here only because my friend asked me to, but this is great,” said Daniel Kim, a computer programmer at concert arrangement business Live Nation. “It’s my first time at the consulate office and I was able to meet some peers to learn about their businesses. I hope to have more opportunities like this in the future.”

Kwang-ryul Yoo, the event organizer, said: “We invited 130 people. About 45 attendees were in their 20s and 30s, while we had 66 people in their 40s. The value of providing an opportunity for such a diverse group of Korean-Americans is huge.”

L.A. Korean Chamber of Commerce Eun Lee said: “If the second generation Korean-Americans develop a better understanding of the Korean society, our competent as a community will only get bigger. We hope to have more opportunities like this.”


By Moonho Kim