Crossing Generations and Races to Achieve Cooperation

Interview by Kim Hyang-il, Editor; Photos by Charles Yoon, President of the Korean American Association of New York

In April of last year, New York, which was the epicenter of COVID-19 in the United States, saw daily new cases exceed 12,000, leading to a forced lockdown that closed all non-essential businesses and caused many people to lose their jobs. An unprecedented economic crisis struck, and the harsh winds of this crisis brought immense suffering, especially to vulnerable members of the Korean community, threatening their very survival.

In such a dire situation, the Korean American Association of New York took the lead in helping those in need. Celebrating its 61st anniversary this year, the association has served as a focal point for Korean immigrants in the New York area for decades. The importance of the association has become even more pronounced as it navigated the challenges of the pandemic last year and this year. At the center of this effort was Charles Yoon, the president of the Korean American Association of New York.

“COVID-19 created a completely unfamiliar daily life that was different from what we knew. The pandemic reduced our living space and increased the number of people in need around us. I happened to see a long line in Flushing, Queens, where people were waiting to receive government food assistance. It was a moment when I realized how difficult life had become for many due to COVID-19. So, I thought we should raise funds to distribute food to struggling Koreans.”

Last year, the Korean American Association launched the “COVID-19 Love Sharing Relay Fund Campaign” targeting vulnerable groups who did not receive any government emergency disaster relief funds and those excluded from unemployment benefits. Through this campaign, over $1.25 million was raised, and from September 25 to October 9, 2020, food vouchers were distributed to 766 families selected through a review process. Based on family size, vouchers worth $100 to $200 per month were provided, totaling $500 to $1,000 for food purchases.

“Every day, we hear stories from people who lost their jobs due to COVID-19 or whose working hours have drastically reduced, leaving them feeling hopeless. There are individuals who have been pushed to the streets because they couldn’t pay rent, those who find it hard to buy food, and many who are surviving with the help of others. The number of people feeling threatened in their livelihoods is alarmingly high. Especially for those who cannot access federal or state benefits, their situations are even worse. The Korean American Association is delivering rice, cash, and personal protective equipment to Koreans facing difficult circumstances after COVID-19, thanks to support from various foundations and businesses.”

Though often unnoticed, many of our community members are struggling to secure their daily meals. The Korean American Association was able to extend a helping hand to these individuals thanks to the generous donations from countless Koreans, ranging from as little as $20 to several hundred thousand dollars.

“This campaign was made possible by the valuable and proactive support from all sectors of the Korean community. I would like to thank all the donors who participated in this campaign, including Chairman Hwang Yong-tae of the YT Hwang Family Foundation, who provided seed money, CEO Kwon Il-yeon of H Mart, David Jung of Pharmacy Beauty LLC, employees of South Pole, an anonymous second-generation Korean donor, and Chairman Kim Kwang-seok of Shake and Go, who illuminated the darkness with their contributions.”

Although the application period for the “COVID-19 Love Sharing Relay Fund Campaign” closed in November last year, the Korean American Association plans to relaunch the campaign this year if conditions remain unfavorable due to the pandemic.

Charles Yoon's term as president will end in May this year, marking two years in office. It would not be an exaggeration to say that half of his term has been dedicated to delivering various protective supplies and donations to places struggling with the virus or in need of assistance. Notably, these relief efforts have not only stayed within the Korean community but have also provided opportunities to extend help to various parts of American society under the name of Koreans.

“When the number of infections and deaths surged in New York, there was a situation where medical staff lacked not only masks but even protective gear to care for patients properly. At that time, the Korean second-generation foundation donated protective suits, allowing us to deliver 2,000 suits to Elmhurst Hospital in Queens, 1,300 suits to a veterans' nursing home where deaths were reported, and 700 suits to the Long Island Veterans Hospital, which houses 110 Korean War veterans. The Korean community is part of American society, and I believe that by collaborating with the local community, even as a minority, we can elevate our rights and status.”

Following the tragic death of George Floyd at the hands of a white police officer last year, large-scale protests against racial discrimination erupted not only in New York but across the nation. Protests occurred daily in New York, and unfortunately, some radical protesters targeted stores for looting. During this time, several Korean businesses in Manhattan and the Bronx were affected. Around that time, it was reported that a Black rights organization was planning to protest in front of a Korean business due to perceived indifference and lack of communication from the community. Charles Yoon immediately intervened to mediate and was able to prevent the protest.

“Together with other Korean businesses, we organized a memorial service for George Floyd with civil rights activist Reverend Al Sharpton, creating a space for cooperation between the Korean community and the Black community. We also delivered 10,000 masks and 3,000 bottles of water to the Black community, which was hit hardest by COVID-19. This moment could have escalated into a significant racial issue, but instead, it became an opportunity to strengthen friendship between Koreans and Blacks. I believe efforts to enhance cooperation between the Korean and Black communities are necessary.”

Korean Americans carry the trauma of the LA riots and their impact on the Black community. However, Charles Yoon's proactive approach may have begun to break down the barriers between the two communities.

His unbiased perspective is also reflected in his journey to becoming a lawyer. “As a child, I had the opportunity to travel the world with my father, a diplomat, and I encountered social inequalities that were unjust. This led me to think deeply about how society could be improved through law. The desire to contribute to creating a better society through law was what led me to pursue a career in law. I later attended Columbia University, majoring in Comparative Literature and Political Science, and naturally followed the path to becoming a lawyer.”

Charles Yoon moved to the U.S. with his father, former New Zealand Ambassador Yoon Young-kyu, who was appointed as the Consul General in Chicago, and graduated from Columbia Law School, where he now practices as a lawyer in New York.

As a first-generation Korean American, he serves as the president of the Korean American Association of New York, acting as a bridge for communication between the first and second generations.

Since taking office, he has begun to engage second-generation Koreans who previously had little interest in the Korean community. The current executive board of the Korean American Association of New York has 12 vice presidents, 9 of whom are first or second-generation Koreans. To inform second-generation members about the association's activities, he has published an English-language newsletter and organized meetings to introduce the activities and history of the Korean community. His efforts have significantly shone during the COVID-19 crisis, with second-generation Koreans actively participating in fundraising and donating protective supplies.

“Second-generation Koreans possess expertise but tend to be passive in the Korean community. The first generation tends to unite well, and I believe that collaboration between these two generations is essential for the development of the Korean community, which is why I initially got involved with the association. Although my term is nearing its end this year, I am planning activities for the next generation, who will be the future leaders of the Korean community. We are also considering implementing a membership system for the Korean American Association. The New York Korean Community Center is a space for our community members. I ask for your support and interest in the activities of the Korean American Association.”

The New York Korean Community Center is located on 24th Street in Manhattan and was established in 1983 by first-generation Koreans who pooled their resources. Charles Yoon has also focused on renovating the aging community center, which has drifted away from the attention of the Korean community.

“We have renovated the previously vacant third-floor space to attract tenants and have enhanced security by installing double doors. We have also replaced and repaired outdated facilities, including the elevator, boiler, and hot water tank. Currently, we are in the process of evicting a problematic tenant on the third floor who has not paid rent. The Korean American Association is engaged in various activities. Although many activities have been restricted due to COVID-19, we will continue to conduct numerous activities at the center.”

As the new year of 2021 begins, he expressed a desire to offer comfort to Koreans who faced a challenging year as president of the association.

“I believe last year will be remembered as a year of establishing a new order amid chaotic turmoil. COVID-19 forced us to part ways with our familiar routines and adapt to a new environment, and I think that newness is gradually settling in. COVID-19 has changed many things. The year 2020, swept by the coronavirus, was indeed a painful year for many. I would like to take this opportunity to send encouragement to all those who are struggling due to the virus.”

You are the second subject of the relay interview. Who would you like to recommend for the third relay interview?
I would like to recommend Cheol Park, the chairman of