đ°đˇ Message from the President
An-yĹng-ha-se-yo,
Hello and welcome to KAPC.
In 2025, we commemorate a profound milestone: the 80th Anniversary of Koreaâs Independence from colonial rule. This year is not only a time of remembrance and pride, but also a renewed call to preserve and share the stories of those who sacrificed for freedom and opportunity.
At the Korean American Pioneer Council (KAPC), our mission is to honor and preserve the legacy of the early Korean American pioneersâimmigrants, independence fighters, and community buildersâwho worked from abroad to support Koreaâs liberation and to establish new lives here in the United States.
While our originally planned in-person celebration at USC will no longer take place due to university-wide constraints, our efforts to commemorate this historic anniversary remain strong:
â˘Our 2025 Commemorative Newsletter, to be released in August, will share reflections, community tributes, and artwork honoring the lives and sacrifices of our pioneers.
â˘We are also producing limited-edition T-shirts featuring powerful historical imagery and original artwork.
â˘And through a refreshed KAPC website, we aim to expand digital access to our projects, stories, and educational resources.
We are especially grateful to our partners at the USC Korean Heritage Library, whose dedication to preserving our history continues to inspire us.
Whether you are a descendant of a pioneer, a family member, a friend, or someone newly exploring Korean American historyâweâre honored to have you with us. Your support ensures that these stories live on and that the next generation grows up with pride in their heritage.
Please explore our website, learn about our work, and consider supporting our mission. Together, we continue to honor the past, engage the present, and build a future rooted in remembrance and unity.
With gratitude,
Alex S. Chang
President & Chair
Korean American Pioneer Council (KAPC)